Sneezing and sniffling. Fevers and chills. Flu season is upon us. Wondering if you and your family should come to Doctors Care to get treated for the flu? Here is some information to help you decide.
What exactly is the flu?
Influenza (also called the flu) is a viral infection in the nose, throat and lungs. Roughly 10% to 20% of Americans get the flu each year. Close to 200,000 people are hospitalized each year due to influenza and some 36,000 die because of complications from the flu.
Prevention is key and flu vaccines help make prevention possible.
What are flu symptoms?
The flu generally starts suddenly and includes symptoms like:
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (This symptom is more common among children than adults)
How are flu symptoms different from cold symptoms?
Colds have very similar symptoms to the flu, making it difficult to distinguish whether it’s the flu or a cold. Colds are generally milder than the flu, and people with colds are more likely to experience a runny or stuffy nose. The first sign of a cold is often a sore throat for a day or two. Other common cold symptoms include a cough and sometimes a slight fever.
What if I think I may have the flu?
If you aren’t sure if you have the flu or a cold, you can go to Doctors Care to find out. Doctors Care now offers a a quick, simple test to determine whether you have the flu or something else, and if you visit Doctors Care soon after symptoms begin, you may be able to get medicine to help shorten the length and severity of the flu if you have it.
To find the Doctors Care center closest to you, click on the location link in the menu below and select the center that’s most convenient for you.