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.
FAQs About Going to Urgent Care for the Flu
If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu, it can be difficult to determine when you should seek medical attention. While most cases of the flu can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications, there are certain situations that may warrant a visit to urgent care. This article will discuss the key factors to consider when deciding whether or not to go to urgent care for the flu, including the severity of symptoms, underlying health conditions, and potential complications that may arise. By understanding these factors, you can make an informed decision about seeking medical care and ensure the best possible outcome for your health. Perfect Health urgent care center provides priority care for our patients through flu season and beyond.
When should I consider going to urgent care for the flu?
It is appropriate to go to urgent care for flu symptoms in several situations. If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as high fever (above 100.4°F), persistent vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache, confusion, or sudden dizziness, it is recommended to seek urgent medical attention. Additionally, if you have a weakened immune system due to an underlying medical condition, are pregnant, or are caring for infants or elderly individuals, it may be wise to seek medical help at an urgent care clinic. Lastly, if your flu symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, urgent care can provide you with appropriate diagnosis and treatment options. It is always safer to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure proper care and to prevent any complications associated with the flu.
When should I seek treatment for the flu?
You should consider seeking treatment for the flu if you experience severe symptoms or if you are at a higher risk for developing complications. Severe symptoms may include persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe headache, or uncontrolled vomiting. Additionally, individuals at higher risk, such as young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with chronic medical conditions, should seek medical attention promptly. Treatment for the flu can help alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. It is important to consult a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate medical guidance based on your individual condition.
What can I expect during a visit to urgent care for the flu?
During a visit to urgent care for the flu, you can expect to be evaluated by a healthcare provider. They will ask about your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and may order diagnostic tests such as a rapid influenza test. Based on the assessment, they may prescribe antiviral medication, offer supportive care, or recommend further treatment if necessary.
How can urgent care help with flu symptoms?
Urgent care clinics can provide prompt medical evaluation and treatment for flu symptoms. They can prescribe antiviral medications that may help reduce the duration and severity of the flu. Additionally, urgent care clinics can offer supportive care such as over-the-counter medications for symptom relief and guidance on self-care measures.
Is it better to go to urgent care or the emergency room for the flu?
For most cases of the flu, it is generally more appropriate to visit an urgent care center instead of the emergency room. Perfect Health is equipped to handle flu cases and can provide timely care. When you're sick, the last thing you want to do is sit in an ER waiting room if you don't have to. Emergency rooms should be reserved for severe flu symptoms or complications, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration.
What are the benefits of seeking medical attention at urgent care for the flu?
Seeking medical attention at urgent care for the flu offers several benefits. These include shorter wait times compared to the emergency room, convenience of location and hours, dedicated healthcare professionals specializing in urgent care, access to diagnostic tests, and the ability to receive timely treatment and medications to manage flu symptoms effectively.
Does urgent care test for flu strains?
Yes, urgent care facilities do provide testing for the flu. Urgent care centers are equipped to administer flu tests, which typically involve either a nasal or throat swab. These tests can quickly determine if an individual has contracted the flu virus, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment. The availability of flu testing at urgent care centers is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience flu-like symptoms but are unable to see their primary care physician or do not require emergency room care.
In conclusion, Perfect Health goes above and beyond in taking care of our patients during flu season. From offering flu shots to implementing rigorous cleanliness protocols, we prioritize the health and well-being of every individual who walks through our doors. Our dedicated staff ensures that our patients receive prompt medical attention, personalized treatment plans, and thorough monitoring until they make a full recovery. With our proactive approach and commitment to excellence, Perfect Health truly prides itself on being a trusted and reliable healthcare provider during flu season and beyond.
