Influenza is an illness that develops due to an attack on your respiratory system by a flu virus. It is commonly known as the flu, and its symptoms can range from moderate to severe. Not to be mistaken for the cold, if you have the flu, your symptoms are likely to be worse and will likely last a lot longer.
For a lot of people, treatment for flu is unnecessary. The virus does it round and with time, patients feel better. However, for some, it can be deadly. Infants, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems due to a chronic condition are prone to serious negative outcomes when they get the flu. Between 2017 and 2018, influenza claimed 80,000 lives due to its complications.
Flu Symptoms
The best thing to do when you have the flu is catch it early and take steps to prevent further spread of the condition. For individuals who are at high risk of getting seriously ill from the flu, it’s best to see a doctor immediately after getting symptoms.
The initial symptoms of the flu are: sneezing, a runny nose, and sore throat. However, unlike the common cold, which develops slowly, the flu comes on suddenly. Common symptoms of the flu include:
● A fever that registers over 100 degrees
● Muscle pain
● Chills and sweats
● Fatigue
● Weakness
● Headache
● Nasal congestion
● Dry cough
● Sore throat
Flu Complications
Flu symptoms typically resolve on their own in about two weeks for healthy people. However, you can also develop flu-related complications, which require medical care. Untreated, flu-related complications can lead to death in some people, so make sure to pay attention when complications arise or if your symptoms progressively get worse.
Some flu complications include:
● Sinus and ear infections
● Pneumonia
● Encephalitis
● Myocarditis
● Kidney failure
● Respiratory failure
● Sepsis
● Fatal asthma attack
● Heart disease complications
Signs You Need To Seek Urgent Care
If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency care immediately:
● Dizziness
● Mental confusion
● Trouble breathing
● Turning blue in the face or lips
● Ribs pulling in
● Chest pain or feeling pressure in the chest
● Experiencing abdominal pressure
● Muscle pain that prevents getting up
● Absence of urine for more than 8 hours
● Dry mouth
● Absence of tears when crying
● Not alert or interacting when awake
● Seizures
● Fever above 104 degrees
● Worsening cough
● Weakness and inability to balance
● Worsening of chronic medical conditions
The best defense against influenza is the flu shot. This will protect you from the flu so if you are exposed to others with the condition, you won’t get sick. You can now get the flu vaccine from urgent care centers.
Flu Vaccine, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Fairless Hills, PA
If you or your loved one is experiencing flu symptoms, Patient Care Now Urgent Care offers diagnosis and treatment services for the flu and complications associated with it. In addition, we also provide the flu vaccine.
Our goal is to give urgent medical attention and care to patients when they most need it. Because you deserve immediate medical attention, we are open 365 days a year.
For more information about our urgent care services, call Patient Care Now Urgent Care at (267) 202-6433 or check-in online for faster processing. Our friendly staff welcomes you to our Fairless Hills clinic!
