As flu season approaches, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of influenza and understand when you should get tested. The flu can spread easily from person to person and may cause more serious illness in some people.
What Is the Flu?
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can affect people of all ages and commonly spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Flu symptoms can appear suddenly and may be more intense than those of a common cold.
Common Signs and Symptoms of the Flu
Some of the most common flu symptoms include:
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Sometimes nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, especially in children
Not everyone with the flu will have a fever. Symptoms can vary from person to person.
How Do You Know If You Have the Flu?
Because the flu can have symptoms similar to COVID-19, a cold, and other respiratory infections, it can sometimes be difficult to know exactly what is causing your symptoms based on how you feel alone.
A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether testing may be appropriate.
Flu Swab Test
One common way to check for influenza is a flu swab test. During the test, a healthcare professional collects a sample from inside the nose using a small swab. The sample is then tested for influenza.
Flu testing can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by influenza and can help your healthcare provider decide what treatment or recommendations may be appropriate.
Some rapid flu tests can provide results relatively quickly, while other tests may take longer depending on the type of test being performed.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have the Flu?
If you develop flu-like symptoms, consider contacting your healthcare provider, especially if your symptoms are severe or you are at higher risk for complications.
Getting evaluated early may be particularly important because antiviral medications may be recommended for certain people, and they generally work best when started early in the illness.
In the meantime, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid close contact with others when you are sick to help reduce the spread of infection.
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
Most people recover from the flu, but complications can occur. Seek medical attention for severe or concerning symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, dehydration, or symptoms that improve and then suddenly become worse.
Protect Yourself During Flu Season
You can take steps to reduce your risk of getting and spreading the flu:
- Get your annual flu vaccine when recommended.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick when possible.
Don’t Guess—Get Checked
If you develop sudden fever, body aches, cough, fatigue, or other flu-like symptoms, don’t assume it is just a cold. A healthcare professional can evaluate your symptoms and, when appropriate, perform a flu swab test to help determine whether you have influenza.
Taking your symptoms seriously and getting evaluated when needed can help you recover and protect the people around you.
Link to see our website: https://clinicafamiliaramistad.com/bien-venido/
Visit our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clinicafamiliaramistad
Visit our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clinicafamiliaramistad/
Visit our TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@clinicafamiliaramistad_
Visit us!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T9EBP5GJJQPzSHVA
Clinica Familiar Amistad
2944 Motley Dr #101, Mesquite, TX 75150
