Every year millions of people all around the world get the flu and hundreds of thousands experience relief between one or two weeks. The other population develops severe complications like pneumonia or even a brain infection. The flu may be a non-threatening communicable disease but 36,000 people die every year due to flu-related complications in the United States alone. If you currently have the flu and you are yet to experience relief despite medications, here's all you need to know.
For same-day flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction. We provide flu shots and treatment seven days a week with no appointment necessary. Simply walk-in!
Understanding the Influenza Virus
The flu, caused by one of the three different kinds of influenza virus, is a common illness. It is highly contagious and spreads via infected droplets that occur during coughing or sneezing. It is caused by either of the following influenza viruses: A, B, or C.
How Long Does the Flu Last?
For most healthy people, the flu is merely an uncomfortable, short-term illness that resolves itself within one to two weeks. Usually, the symptoms appear three to five days after exposure and healing begins a week after. For those who have had regular and boosted flu shots, symptoms may even be shorter and less severe. This is not the case for a certain group of people as the flu puts them at a high risk of further health complications.
These groups of people include:
- Kids ages 2 and lower
- People older than 65
- People with chronic illnesses such as HIV and lung disease
- Pregnant women
- Obese people
- People with long-term diseases like cancer
Typical Flu Symptom Timeline
Before your flu symptoms manifest, the body must have undergone a multi-step process. The process includes the following:
Incubation: Days 0 and 1
The incubation period is said to be the time between exposure and infection. Exposure can be via kissing or contacting infected droplets. During the first few days of infection, the influenza virus multiplies rapidly in the body and takes between 5 to 7 days before symptoms begin to show. The asymptomatic period of incubation makes you a threat to other unaffected people.
Flu Symptom Peak: Days 2 and 7
After successful incubation, symptoms begin to show and you suddenly feel feverish and tired. You may notice a runny nose, diarrhea, and sore throat and most people presume these are symptoms of a cold. This period is usually between days 3 and 7 and many people describe this feeling as “being hit by a bus”. The flu symptoms may last for several days or even up to a week and most people feel extreme fatigue. During this stage, some people wait out while others tackle this infection with antiviral medications and treatments.
Recovery and Post-Flu Fatigue: Days 7 to 14
After the symptoms peak, you will experience gradual relief as most symptoms begin to fade away. However, cough and fatigue tend to be the last symptoms to go away. You should feel normal after 14 days after infection.
Get Same-Day Relief at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction
If you have flu-like symptoms that exceed the stipulated time frame, you should seek prompt medical attention. A medical provider can prescribe antiviral medications that can reduce your symptoms severity within 2 days. If you suspect that you have the flu, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Grand Junction. Our providers can evaluate your condition and plan the best treatment to aid your recovery. If you have any additional questions about flu symptoms, or the services we provide, please contact our medical office directly at (970) 609-2001.
