Although flu season is typically associated with the colder fall and winter months, flu cases can continue to surge through mid-spring. This means that understanding the early symptoms of the flu is essential so that you know when to seek medical care for your illness symptoms. Ear pain can be caused by a variety of different infections and illnesses. Viral infections, like the flu, can easily develop into a middle ear infection if not closely monitored and treated correctly. Learn more about flu symptoms. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Arvada for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment in Arvada, CO.
Symptoms of the Flu
The flu is caused by a viral infection. This means that the flu is highly contagious from person to person. Flu cases typically surge during the late fall and early winter months. This is because when the weather is colder, we spend more time indoors which exposes us to more close contact with others. Viruses like the flu can spread through direct contact with an infected person, but they can also spread through indirect contact such as airborne droplets and by living on surfaces such as door handles, elevator buttons and faucets.
The flu often begins with mild symptoms which progress over the course of a few days. It can be difficult to know that you have the flu until the symptoms progress, because the flu often mimics the symptoms of a common cold at first.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Ear pain
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Fever
- Body aches
- Chills
Can the Flu Cause an Ear Infection?
Although it does not happen in every case, the flu can progress into secondary infections. This is more likely to occur in individuals who have a history of developing certain conditions such as sinus infections and ear infections. If you experience ear pain and think you have the flu, you should seek medical treatment to ensure that the flu has not caused you to develop an ear infection.
The swelling that occurs when you are infected with the flu can cause your body to trap fluid in certain areas. This includes the sinuses and the ear canal. It is always important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical care if your symptoms continue to worsen over time. Secondary infections such as ear infections require medical diagnosis and treatment to resolve
Visit AFC Urgent Care Arvada for Walk-In Illness Care in Arvada, CO
Although it does not happen for everyone who gets the flu, the flu can cause painful secondary infections such as ear infections. If you’re experiencing illness symptoms and suddenly develop ear pain, you should seek medical care for treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Arvada, our board-certified medical staff is equipped to provide an accurate diagnosis at the time of your visit using our on-site laboratory.
We understand that your time is valuable which is why we never require that you schedule an appointment to receive prompt illness diagnosis and treatment. Simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. We maintain short wait times, so that you can get the care that you need when you need it most. Our clinic accepts most medical insurance plans, and offers affordable care options for patients who are paying out of pocket for their medical care. For more information, contact the clinic directly by calling (720) 502-0466.
