When it comes to flu season, taking preventive measures is a proactive and essential step to prevent the spread of the flu and protect yourself from a severe case of the flu. This year, rumors of the flu strain being extremely severe and nicknamed the ‘super flu’ highlights the importance of preventative measures to avoid catching the flu.
This article will review what measures you can take to help prevent catching a case of the ‘super flu’. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, seeking care early is essential. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our walk-in urgent care clinic in Centennial, Colorado is available 7 days a week to provide flu testing and treatment - all on a walk-in basis. Simply walk in when it’s convenient, or save your spot online in advance using the button below.
What is the “Super Flu”?
The flu is a seasonal illness that can cause severe illness. It is a viral infection which is highly contagious to others, allowing it to spread easily from person to person through touching infected surfaces, airborne particles or direct contact with someone who is sick with the flu. The flu virus has several variations, and mutates over time into new strains which makes it hard to build up immunity against.
The super flu is a phenomenon used to describe a particularly prevalent or severe flu strain. While the flu is usually widely contained due to the high vaccination rates, the vaccine doesn’t protect against all flu strains, and sometimes a strain emerges that causes rapid widespread illness, coining the name ‘super flu’.
3 Tips for Preventing a Case of the “Super Flu”
Wash Your Hands
The most important step to preventing the flu is to wash your hands often. The flu is easily contracted by touching a surface like a door knob, elevator button or fridge handle that someone who has the flu also touched recently. Washing your hands often kills any germs you may have picked up throughout your day.
Self Isolate
If you’re worried about getting sick, the best way to avoid the flu virus is to stay away from anywhere that you can catch it. This means working remote when possible, and avoiding high traffic areas like grocery stores and public gyms, especially at peak times. However, it is not always possible to stay indoors during the flu season. However, if there is a spike of cases in your area, staying home is the wise decision to avoid the flu.
Get Vaccinated
The flu shot is a very effective way to decrease your chances of getting the flu, and also avoiding severe symptoms if you do contract the influenza virus. However, the flu shot is not 100% effective at preventing the flu, especially when the influenza strain going around is not the same as the strain included in the vaccination. However, it is still recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu shot.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial for Rapid Flu Symptom Treatment
The flu is no joke, and when a ‘super flu’ is circulating, it’s important to take all measures possible to reduce the risk of contracting a case of the flu. While the flu shot is an effective way to prevent the flu in most cases, it doesn’t 100% guarantee that you will not catch a case of the flu. If you’re feeling sick with flu-like symptoms, seeking urgent care is essential to begin antiviral treatment.
At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, we offer same-day flu symptom diagnosis and treatment for patients near Centennial, Colorado. If you’re feeling sick, you can count on our team of board-certified medical providers to provide prompt evaluation and treatment. We accept most medical insurance plans, and have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their medical care. Walk into the clinic today, or give us a call directly to learn more about the conditions we treat by calling (303) 220-9168.
