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For most people, it’s the joy of the holidays that they know of when it’s fall or winter. For some, it’s flu season! The influenza virus, also known as the flu, tends to ruin the fun for millions ever year.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the influenza virus is circulating. Unfortunately, the strain H3N2 is active and known for more severe illnesses. Apparently, more cases of H3N2 are seen now than at the beginning of the year.
Seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Chills or Tiredness
- Stuffy or Runny Nose
- Cough
- Headaches
These signs are significant, as they are related to mild or moderate cases of the flu.
However, when is the right time to go to urgent care? Read on to find out more about our symptoms to look out for, which will determine if you need urgent care or another level of care.
Flu Symptoms to Go to Urgent Care
If symptoms are mild and you are seeking relief, self-treatment at home, over-the-counter (OTC) medication or a doctor’s appointment may be more suitable for you.
Urgent care can be useful for mild or moderate symptoms. Determining if you are mild or moderate flu can be puzzling, but we have some guidelines to follow that may help:
You may need urgent care if you have the following signs:
- Exhibiting symptoms such as congestion sore throat, headaches, runny nose, tiredness, or chills. These symptoms are considered mild or moderate.
- In need of immediate attention, but unable to contact or schedule an appointment with your primary care physician.
Luckily, urgent care may offer testing to confirm if you have influenza or any other virus. IV fluids, X-rays, prescription medication, and blood work is also available. If after an assessment in urgent care and it is found you may need the emergency room (ER), that is an option too.
In severe cases, these symptoms may signal you need to go to the ER and not just urgent care:
- Displaying critical signs such as chest pain, confusion, respiratory distress, or trouble breathing.
- If you or someone is in the group that contains: infants, pregnant, elderly, or have a medical condition that disturbs a person’s ability to fight the flu.
When in doubt, going to urgent care is a safe bet. Professionals can assist you and find you the proper care you need right away.
Feel Free to Contact Us!
If you are exhibiting mild or moderate symptoms, seek help in urgent care. For severe symptoms, it may be best to go to the ER. If you are undecided during that time, check into urgent care where specialists will evaluate you and do their best to assist you.
If you would like professional advice or have any other questions, contact us 508.650.6208
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