Getting the flu can force you to stay at home to self-isolate and recover for days. Identifying your symptoms early and seeking medical care for flu-like symptoms can ensure that you are treating your symptoms correctly and ensuring a fast recovery. Avoid missing valuable workdays by learning how to identify flu-like symptoms before they progress and when you should seek medical care for your symptoms. AFC Urgent Care Southcenter offers same-day illness diagnosis and treatment for patients in Southcenter, Renton, Kent, Burien and SeaTac, WA.
How To Identify Flu Symptoms
The flu can cause even a healthy adult to become bedridden. Luckily, flu symptoms typically only last between 4 and 7 days. During this time, you can experience a broad range of symptoms. Early flu symptoms are typically mild and are often confused with cold symptoms. However, they can progress quickly which is why it is always important to closely monitor any mild illness symptoms to ensure that they’re not progressing into more intense flu-like symptoms.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Facial pressure
- Cough
- Congestion
- Upset stomach.
- Fever
- Chills
Should You Go to Urgent Care If You Have Flu-Like Symptoms?
Yes, even if your symptoms are mild, getting a medical diagnosis for your symptoms has many benefits. Not only can it provide clarity regarding what is causing your symptoms, but seeking medical treatment when your symptoms are still mild can allow you to start treatment early before your symptoms get worse. Getting diagnostic testing at AFC Urgent Care Southcenter is quick and easy in our walk-in clinic.
If you do discover that you have the flu, it is important that you self-isolate. The flu is caused by a viral infection. Viruses are notorious for being extremely contagious. The flu can spread from an infected person to a healthy person through the air, direct contact, and by living on surfaces such as faucets and door handles.
How to Treat the Flu At Home
Viral infections, such as the flu, cannot be treated using medications such as antibiotics. As a result, although diagnosing the flu can help you better manage your symptoms and self-isolate, your body must fight off the virus. Knowing the steps to take if you have the flu to promote a speedy recovery is essential.
Get Plenty of Rest: If you have the flu, the best thing to do is ensure that you’re getting plenty of rest. Stay home and self-isolate from others and take time to yourself to let your body recharge as it fights off the infection. Overexerting yourself could slow down your recovery.
Stay Hydrated: The flu can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset which can cause severe dehydration. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing gastrointestinal upset, staying hydrated will help give your body the resources it needs to fight off the virus. Drinking warm liquids can also help make you feel better if you have a fever or a sore throat.
Use OTC Medications: There are a variety of medications available over-the-counter that can help manage flu symptoms as your body recovers. Along with fever reducers, there are medications that target common flu symptoms such as congestion, sore throats, and coughs. Always be sure to follow the dosage instructions.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for Same-Day Illness Care
If you think you may have symptoms of the flu, you should seek medical care while your symptoms are mild to prevent them from becoming more severe. A medical diagnosis can help you formulate a treatment plan with your healthcare provider so that you can recover quickly. At AFC Urgent Care Southcenter, we offer same-day illness diagnosis and treatment on a walk-in basis. Simply walk into our clinic, or schedule an appointment online in advance.
Our board-certified medical professionals will evaluate your symptoms and may perform diagnostic testing in our laboratory. Based on the results of the exam and any testing that is performed, your healthcare provider will review the treatment options available. These may include treatments such as prescription medications or at-home care instructions. Even if your symptoms are mild, it is better to be safe than sorry. Viral infections like the flu are extremely contagious, it is important to self-isolate and get medically evaluated so that you can recover quickly. Our clinic has short wait times and we accept most major medical insurance plans. For additional information, please contact us directly by calling (425) 291-3300.
