Illnesses
Dr. Rick Singh, Board Certified in Family Medicine and trained in Emergency Medicine, completed his residency at ProMedica Flower Hospital in Ohio. Joining NextCare in 2014, he advanced through leadership roles before becoming Chief Medical Officer in February 2023.
Medically reviewed by Dr Rick Singh – Chief Medical Officer at NextCare.
It’s that time of year again. The leaves change, there’s a crispness in the air, and you hear sniffles and coughs all around. It’s easy to brush them off, but a nagging question lingers: could this be more than a common cold? What is the flu, really, and how do I know if I have it? This guide provides clear information to help you understand influenza.
Understanding the Flu: Definition and Symptoms
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus, which is a contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Flu activity typically peaks in January and February. Although they share many of the same symptoms, the flu is not the same as a cold. Flu symptoms include:
- ⊕ Fever
- ⊕ Headache
- ⊕ Extreme tiredness
- ⊕ Sore throat
- ⊕ Muscle aches
- ⊕ Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Flu symptoms typically occur rapidly and last three to seven days. You are contagious both before experiencing symptoms and after they’ve subsided. If you or one of your family members is experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your nearest NextCare Urgent Care today for diagnosis and treatment.
You can protect yourself and your family by getting a flu shot at the start of each flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that every person aged 6 months to 65 years get an annual flu vaccine and those persons with certain high risk medical conditions.
What causes the flu?
The flu virus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets, or when you breathe in germs transmitted in the coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. It is also spread when you touch something with the virus on it, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. This is why it’s important to cover your cough, frequently wash your hands, and stay home if you are experiencing any flu symptoms.
The typical incubation period for the flu is one to four days, with symptoms lasting anywhere from a few days to over a week. Adults can be contagious anywhere from the day before symptoms begin to 10 days after symptoms first appeared. The flu spreads quickly and easily, often striking a particular community all at once. Students or workers who haven’t received a flu shot generally become sick within two or three weeks of the flu’s arrival in a school or workplace.
Who is at risk for the flu?
On average, one out of every five Americans suffers from the flu every year, and people of all ages are susceptible to serious complications. Those at higher risk are people over the age of 50 and children between six months and two years. Pregnant women are also considered high risk.
Anyone can get the flu, and the best way to prevent influenza is with an annual flu shot. Receiving your annual flu shot will greatly reduce your risk of contracting the virus this flu season. It takes about two weeks after getting a flu shot for an adult to develop protection against the virus.
How to Treat the Flu Effectively
So, you’ve got the flu? Don’t worry, most people recover at home within a week or two. Treating the flu involves managing symptoms and supporting your body.
Rest and Fluids: Your Body’s Best Friends
Rest is key when you’re battling the flu. It helps your body conserve energy for fighting the virus. Plenty of fluids are also crucial to avoid dehydration.
Choose water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks. Herbal tea with honey can soothe a sore throat. Warm drinks, in general, can be comforting.
Over-the-Counter Relief
Over-the-counter medications offer relief from flu symptoms. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can reduce fever and lessen body aches. Some may experience mild reactions.
Decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help relieve congestion. Cough suppressants might help quiet coughs at night. Your health care provider can advise on the proper over-the-counter medication. Over-the-counter medications might also include preventive actions you can take.
Antiviral Medications
In some cases, a health care provider might prescribe antiviral medications. These include Tamiflu, Relenza, Rapivab, or Xofluza. These drugs are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Starting antiviral treatment shortly after symptoms begin can help. This can reduce flu complications and lessen the duration of your illness. Include severe allergic reactions if any occur. Your health care provider can tell you about other more serious health conditions.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most flu cases resolve on their own. Sometimes, it’s best to see a health care provider. This is especially important for individuals at high risk, such as those with chronic health conditions or pregnant women.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath | Struggling to breathe, even at rest, can indicate a serious issue. |
| Chest pain or pressure | This can be a sign of a heart or lung complication. |
| Sudden dizziness or confusion | This could indicate dehydration or a neurological complication. |
| Severe or persistent vomiting | This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. |
| Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough | This may signal a secondary bacterial infection. |
Children may exhibit other symptoms:
- ⊕ Fast breathing or trouble breathing.
- ⊕ Bluish lips or face.
- ⊕ Ribs pulling in with each breath.
- ⊕ Chest pain.
- ⊕ Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying).
- ⊕ Not waking up or interacting.
- ⊕ Irritability that doesn’t lessen when held.
- ⊕ Fever with a rash.
- ⊕ Improvement of symptoms followed by return of fever and worse cough.
Preventing the Flu
Preventing the flu can help protect those at high risk. Getting your annual flu vaccine is the best method. It helps your immune system recognize and neutralize influenza viruses.
Alongside vaccination, consider these steps to prevent spreading respiratory viruses like the flu, including antimicrobial-resistant infections and those causing severe colon damage:
- ⊕ Practice good hand hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the most effective preventive actions. Alcohol-based sanitizers are a good backup. Cover your coughs with a tissue, and dispose of it properly. If you don’t have a tissue, cough into your elbow.
- ⊕ Avoid close contact: Distance yourself from those diagnosed with the flu. If possible, stay separated in a ventilated space. Your healthcare provider prescribes medication to reduce the severity and treat the infection. You should also avoid touching surfaces frequented by sick individuals.
- Clean and disinfect: Wipe down frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and light switches, especially when someone is ill.
Stay Ahead of the Flu
While vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza, seeking professional help is highly recommended to help fight the flu virus once symptoms appear. In some cases, prescription medications “antiviral drugs” are recommended to treat influenza illness. Check with your doctor promptly if you begin to experience flu symptoms.
NextCare Urgent Care can treat your flu illness and may prescribe antiviral drugs. To treat the flu, Tamiflu® and Relenza® are usually prescribed for 5 days to 10 days depending on age.
Treatment with antivirals works best when begun within 48 hours of getting sick, but can still be beneficial when given later in the course of illness. Antiviral drugs are effective across a broad range of ages and risk groups. In 2015, three FDA-approved influenza antiviral drugs were recommended for use in the United States: oseltamivir, zanamivir and peramivir.
Taking proactive steps to prevent and manage the flu can protect your health and those around you. If symptoms worsen or complications arise, don’t hesitate to seek medical care.
FAQs
The flu often presents with a sudden onset of symptoms, including fever or feeling feverish with chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some individuals, particularly children, may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. It’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
While both are respiratory illnesses, the flu and the common cold are caused by different viruses. Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly and are more severe, often including fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue. Colds generally develop gradually and are milder, with symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose and sore throat being more common.
Individuals at higher risk include young children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. These groups are more susceptible to severe illness and complications from the flu.
Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Additionally, practicing good hygiene—such as regular handwashing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and covering coughs and sneezes—can reduce the spread of flu viruses.
If you suspect you have the flu, it’s important to stay home to avoid spreading the virus. Rest, stay hydrated, and consider over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms. If you’re at high risk for complications or your symptoms are severe, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
Yes, the flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections, and can exacerbate chronic medical conditions. Severe cases can result in hospitalization or even death, particularly among high-risk groups.
Yes, while fever is a common flu symptom, not everyone with the flu will experience it. Other symptoms like cough, sore throat, and body aches may still be present.
Individuals with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. However, some may be able to spread the virus one day before symptoms develop and up to a week after becoming sick.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve body aches. Decongestants and antihistamines may alleviate nasal congestion and runny nose. Always follow the instructions and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), are prescription drugs that can shorten the duration of the flu and reduce its severity. These are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
While natural remedies like warm teas, honey, and steam inhalation can soothe symptoms, they don’t cure the flu. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and following medical advice are essential for recovery.
The flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of contracting the flu and its complications. Because flu viruses mutate, the vaccine is updated yearly to target the most prevalent strains. Annual vaccination is recommended for optimal protection.
No, the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. Some people might experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm or low-grade fever, but these are not the flu itself.
Children with the flu should rest, stay hydrated, and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus. If your child has a high fever, trouble breathing, or symptoms that worsen, seek medical care immediately.
Isolate the sick person in a separate room, ensure they rest and stay hydrated, and clean commonly touched surfaces frequently. Encourage them to wear a mask and cover their coughs to reduce the spread of germs.
Seek immediate medical attention if someone with the flu experiences difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting, or symptoms that worsen after initially improving.
Yes, but vaccinated individuals often experience milder symptoms and are less likely to develop severe complications. Vaccination remains the best preventive measure.
Flu can exacerbate conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, leading to serious complications. People with chronic illnesses should be vigilant about flu prevention and treatment.
Besides antivirals, some people explore supplements like vitamin C or zinc. While these may support general immune health, they are not proven flu treatments. Consult your doctor before starting any alternative therapy.
Flu and COVID-19 share symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue but are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 symptoms may also include loss of taste or smell. Testing is the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
