Fever, chills and body aches? Could you have the flu? October through March is when most cases of the flu occur, or, when flu season happens every year. With flu season tending to peak anytime from December to January each year, your odds of getting the flu are higher during these months. If you have the flu, there are some things you can do to help yourself get better, but first, you should know the signs to look out for. Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Cough, sore throat and a stuffy nose
• Headache
• Fatigue

If you have some or all of these symptoms, you might have the flu. If you do have the flu, you probably aren’t feeling your best right now and might be wondering how you can help yourself get better as quickly as possible. Here are some things you should do if you have the flu:

Seek medical care.

If you have any or all of the symptoms listed above, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. A medical professional can tell you for sure if you have the flu, and can help you get better by recommending various treatments and medications, as well as help you avoid any dangerous complications. They have seen this many times before and know how to best keep you safe and healthy. Stay home!

This one is mostly for the benefit of others, though if you do have the flu you probably won’t want to leave your bed anyway. According to the CDC, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. This is so you do not pass the flu to others, which can be very harmful to certain groups of people.

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.

Your immune system is hard at work fighting the flu raging within you. You can help your body recover by getting plenty of rest. You can also prevent dehydration by making sure you’re drinking lots of fluids. If water feels too harsh on your throat, try juice, warm soups or green tea with honey.

Take medication as prescribed.

If you listened to our first piece of advice and sought medical care, a physician may have prescribed you some medication to alleviate any severe flu symptoms or prevent complications. Make sure you are following all instructions given by your medical care provider, so you can get better as quickly as possible. If you have a fever, aches and pains, you can also consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to remove some of your discomfort.        

Pay attention.

The flu is a fairly common illness, but it can easily and quickly take a turn for the worse. Pay attention to your symptoms and take note if your condition worsens. You should seek emergency medical help if you notice any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Sudden dizziness
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Severe vomiting

If you have any or all of the symptoms above, seek immediate medical attention.
If you are sick with the flu, AFC Urgent Care Arlington can help. Our walk-in urgent care center is open seven days a week, no appointments necessary.