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Flu Symptoms

Flu can start of feeling like the common cold with symptom that include a sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and some body aches. Flu usually comes on suddenly and make you feel much worse than the common cold.

Some of the symptoms:

- Fever of 100F or higher

- Chills and sweats

- Body aches

- Headache

- Feeling tired and weak

- Runny or stuffy nose

- Sore throat

- Dry cough

- Shortness of breath

- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

## FLU

Some Facts About Influenza

Influenza, also called the Flu, are a group of viruses that causes respiratory illness. There are mainly two types of human flu viruses, Type A and Type B, and they are responsible for most seasonal flu outbreaks.

It is suggested by the CDC that on average about 8% of the U.S. population gets infected with the flu every season. In the U.S., flu season begins in October and can peak anywhere from December to early April.

Once you get the flu, you can be ill for a few days and in some cases up to two weeks. It can lead to severe illnesses such as pneumonia in some patients.

It is recommended to get yourself the flu vaccine each year to best protect yourself and your family. The vaccine contains a killed virus, meaning you cannot get the flu from being vaccinated.

When To Seek Medical Attention?

If you have flu-like symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home and avoid being in contact with other people. Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home. If you feel your symptoms are more severe or you are at high risk for complications, you can see one of our Health Care Providers to assess and test you for the flu virus. In some cases, antiviral therapies are recommended if started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Some of the more concerning symptoms are:

- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

- Lightheadedness

- Continued vomiting or diarrhea with concerns for dehydration

- Flu like symptoms that improve but then return with worsening cough and a fever.

People with higher risk of severe illness from the flu should talk to a healthcare provider whether they need to be examined and treated. People at highest risk includes:

- Children under age 5, especially younger then 2 years of age

- People 65 years and older

- People who have chronic health conditions, such as:
  -Diabetes
  -Heart disease
  -Kidney disorders
  -Liver disorders
  -Lung disease such as as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  -People with weakened immune systems (such as cancer, being on immunosuppressive therapy, or long term steroid use)
  -Obesity

Flu can cause severe illness in anyone, not only people with pre-existing medical health problems. If you are concerned about your illness or having worsening symptoms, please consult with one of our physicians or advanced practice providers at our clinic. Flu tests are provided on-site.

How to control the spread of infection

The influenza vaccine is not 100% effective, with that said, it is important to take other measures to reduce the spread of the infection, including:

- Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

- Wash your hands. It is recommended to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

- Clean surfaces. Try to regularly clean surfaces that are often touched.

- Cover your coughs. Cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands as above.

- Avoid crowds. The flu, like most are viruses, spreads easily wherever there is a crowd. This includes child care centers, schools and public transportations.

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  Yes, we offer flu tests on site. All tests are testing for Influenza A or B.

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  The flu vaccine helps protect you and your loved ones from the flu. It also helps protect your community. With more people vaccinated that means more people are protected. The vaccine has also been shown to help prevent serious complications in people with chronic health problems such as heart or lung disease or diabetes.

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  It is more likely for children to get sick from the flu than any other age group. Higher risk of developing complications from the flu are seen in children younger than 5 years of age. You can reduce your child’s risk of getting the flu by getting them the flu vaccine once they are over the age of 6 months.

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  You can schedule an appointment or visit our clinic to get a flu vaccine.

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  It is recommended by the CDC that everyone ages 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine.

  Flu vaccine is strongly recommended for:

  -Children 6 months of age and older

  -Age 50 years and older

  -Anyone with chronic medical problems such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease or diabetes

  -People who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.

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  No, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu as it does not contain a live virus.

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  After getting the flu vaccine, it takes about 2 weeks to build up antibodies. It is possible you can get exposed and sick from the flu during that time. As the flu virus constantly mutates, the flu vaccine does not always prevent you from getting the flu. However, it should help keep your symptoms milder.

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  Some common side effects include:
  -Redness, pain and swelling at the injection site.
  -Headache
  -Fever
  -Nausea
  -Body aches

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  Yes, you can still get your flu vaccine at the same time.

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  Flu vaccine protection varies every season. In a typical year, it can reduce the risk of getting the flu between 40-60% in the population. If you get the flu despite the vaccine, the vaccine can reduce your symptoms. It can also prevent serious complications in those with chronic medical problems.

## FAQS

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