Influenza season is upon us and cases of the flu are rising. In order to protect yourself from getting sick, or from spreading your illness to others, learn about common flu symptoms. Get flu symptom diagnosis and treatment by visiting AFC Urgent Care Stoneham.
What Causes the Flu?
The flu is a respiratory illness that is caused by the Influenza virus. Like many viral infections, the flu virus is very contagious. You can catch the flu from directly contacting an individual who has the flu. You can also contract the flu through indirect contact with someone who is infected, such as by touching the same doorknob as them or breathing in the same air. Because of how contagious the flu is, it is important to be able to identify common flu symptoms early so that you can take the appropriate steps to promote recovery.
Flu Symptoms:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Cough
Many of the flu symptoms derive from the swelling and irritation in the upper respiratory tract. This impacts your sinuses, which can cause headaches, congestion and a runny nose. This irritation of your upper respiratory tract can also cause you to cough, however, the flu usually causes a dry cough, not a productive cough.
Does the Flu Require Medical Treatment?
Although the flu is a relatively common illness that usually can be managed at home, it can become a very severe infection quickly. This is especially true for at-risk populations, such as the elderly, young children and those with compromised immune systems. In most cases, your body can fight off an influenza virus on its own.
The most important things to consider if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms are to monitor your symptoms carefully and isolate yourself from others to ensure you don’t spread your illness. The flu can last anywhere from a couple of days up to a week. If your symptoms are severe, or continue past a week, you should seek medical treatment at urgent care.
At-Home Flu Treatment Tips & Tricks
There is no medical treatment available for the flu. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, meaning that your body has to fight off the infection on its own. Getting your annual flu shot is a great way to build up defences and prevent severe flu symptoms if you get the flu. However, if you do catch the flu, there are some steps you can take at home to help alleviate some of your symptoms.
At-Home Flu Treatment Tips:
- Drink warm liquids: Not only will this soothe a sore throat, but it will also help you stay hydrated which is crucial to give your body the strength it needs to fight off the infection.
- Take warm showers: This can help if you’re feeling feverish, but it can also help reduce some of the irritation in your respiratory system and break up any congestion in your sinuses.
- Get plenty of rest: Sleeping helps build up your immune systems strength, which it will need to fight off the Influenza virus. Take it easy and sleep as much as possible.
- Use over-the-counter medications: There are many different types of medications available over-the-counter which can target specific flu related symptoms.
Being sick with the flu is never pleasant, but these tips can help expidite your recovery time and relieve flu symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, or last longer than a week, you should seek medical care to ensure that you are not suffering from a more serious infection.
Get Illness Diagnosis & Treatment Near Stoneham, MA by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Stoneham
Contracting the flu can bring a variety of unpleasant symptoms. However, preventing severe illness from the flu is made easy by getting your annual flu shot. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, we offer flu shots in addition to flu diagnosis and treatment on a walk-in basis seven days a week. Simply walk into our clinic, or schedule an appointment online.
Getting a medical diagnosis for your symptoms is quick and easy when you visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham. Our medical providers are board-certified and trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses. You never need an appointment to receive medical care at AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, simply visit our clinic when it is convenient for you. For additional information regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling 781-279-4000.
