Common Flu Symptoms
The most common flu symptoms include:
- Fever (sometimes high fever)
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Occasionally, some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this isn’t always the case. Children may be more likely to experience gastrointestinal distress from influenza.
It’s important to note that you may not experience all these symptoms. In fact, not everyone with the flu has a high fever.
Who is at Risk for the Flu?
Everyone is at risk for catching the influenza virus. However, certain populations are more at risk of developing serious complications. This includes:
- Children under 6 months
- Adults over the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with pre-existing conditions, including:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDs
- Neurological conditions
- Heart disease and stroke
How can the Flu be Prevented?
The best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine. The vaccine is safe for children, babies and adults. Perfect Health Urgent Care offers the flu vaccine every year. With convenient evening and weekend hours, and no appointments necessary, we’re making it easier for your family to get the vaccine and stay well.
How is the Flu Treated?
The flu is a viral illness, so antibiotics won’t work against the illness. However, there are ways you can find relief from your symptoms.
Your medical provider will work with you to understand your symptoms and medical history to develop a treatment care plan that’s right for you. That may include:
- Antiviral medicine to reduce the severity of symptoms and duration of your illness
- Cold and flu medicine to help relieve symptoms, like cough, or a runny or stuffy nose
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and lower fevers
- Rest
- Fluids to stay hydrated
- Portable humidifier to help relieve congestion
Are There Medicines to Treat the Flu?
There aren’t medications to treat the flu, but some medicines can relieve your symptoms and shorten the duration and severity of your illness. There are side effects of each of these medications. Antiviral medicine is often only given to individuals at risk for developing complications from the flu or those experiencing severe symptoms. We’ll help you find the care that helps you start feeling better.
What are the Emergency Warning Signs of Flu?
Most people will recover with at-home care from the flu after a few days or a week. However, some people may develop complications from the flu. These complications can range from mild side effects, like a sinus or ear infection. It can also include serious complications, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Myositis or rhabdomyolysis (inflammation of the muscle tissues)
- Multi-organ failure
- Sepsis
- Aggravation of chronic medical problems (asthma, heart disease)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you or a loved one experience any of the following warning signs, you need to seek emergency medical care:
Children:
- Fast breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Ribs pulling in with each breath
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain
- Dehydration
- Lethargic (not alert of interacting)
- Seizures
- High fever (above 104 degrees)
- Any fever for babies less than 12 weeks
- Fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens
- Worsening chronic medical conditions
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Dizziness or confusion
- Inability to arouse
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens
- Worsening chronic medical conditions
Emergency Care or Urgent Care – Where to go When you Need Treatment for the Flu?
Most of the time, you can go to urgent care for flu treatment. However, if you experience any emergency warning signs of the flu, you should call 911 or contact your doctor immediately to find where to go for medical care.
Perfect Health Urgent Care offers three locations that offer convenient medical care, including in Augusta, Evans and Grovetown.
Perfect Health Urgent Care - Augusta
3324 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta GA 30906
Perfect Health Urgent Care - Evans
4244 Washington Road, Evans GA 30809
Perfect Health Urgent Care - Grovetown
307 W Robinson Avenue, Grovetown GA 30813
Walk in Today. No Appointment Necessary.
Our Hours: Monday-Sunday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
