Peak flu season occurs from early October through May. During this time, it is easy to contract an illness due to our tendancy to spend more time indoors while the weather is cold. Sinus infections can occur following a viral infection, such as the flu. It is important to understand the symptoms and treatments for both the flu and sinus infections so that you know when to seek appropriate medical care. Visit AFC Urgent Care Arvada for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment.

Causes & Symptoms of the Flu

The flu is a common, but often severe, viral infection. The flu can infect anyone and is highly contagious. The influenza virus spreads through direct contact with an infected person. It can also spread through breathing in airborne particles released by an infected person while talking, coughing or sneezing. The Influenza virus can live on surfaces for over 24 hours, meaning that you can also contract the flu by touching the same surface as an infected individual.

The flu infection is widely know to cause uncomfortable symptoms. The flu symptoms can take anywhere from 1 to 4 days to appear after you have been infected, meaning that you can unknowingly spread it to others. In most cases, the flu lasts between 4 and 7 days, however in severe cases symptoms may be longer lasting.

Common Flu Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Body aches
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Cough  

Causes & Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

Sinus infections can be caused by a virus or a bacteria. Sinus infections typically follow a viral or bacterial infection, such as the flu, and occur due to the primary illness causing intense congestion. This congestion can lead to fluid build up in the sinuses which can grow into an infection.

Sinus infection symptoms can last anywhere between 7 days and 4 weeks. In some cases, sinus infections can become chronic and require regular medical care to regulate symptoms. Sinus infections are not contagious, however, the illnesses that cause sinus infections typically are contagious. Flu symptoms and sinus infection symptoms often overlap, as they can be related illnesses in some cases. If your flu symptoms seen to not resolve or get worse after 7 days, it is possible that you have developed a sinus infection.

Sinus Infection Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Pressure in the face region
• Headaches
• Congestion
• Cough
• Sore Throat

Treatment for Flu and Sinus Infections Available at Urgent Care

There is no medical treatment available to cure the flu. The flu is caused by a virus, which means that antibiotics and other forms of medication are not effective in treating the flu. In most cases, the flu does not require medical care. However, if you are an at risk individual who is elderly or has underlying health conditions, you may require medical care to help your body fight the virus off. IV fluids among other methods can be used to support your immune system while you’re sick. Getting your annual flu vaccine can help reduce the risk of severe illness caused by the flu.

Due to the fact that sinus infections most commonly occur as the result of another illness, the treatment options available for sinus infections may vary. A medical diagnosis will be required to determine the underlying cause of your illness. If the infection is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are an effective treatment method to help resolve sinus infections. If the infection is viral, much like the flu, your medical provider can provide supportive care and reccomend at home care methods.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Aravda For Walk-In Illness Care In Arvada, CO

With flu season in peak season upon us, it is important to understand what normal flu symptoms are and whether your illness has developed into a secondary infection such as a sinus infection. If you’re suffering from illness symptoms, AFC Urgent Care Arvada is here to help. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day illness diagnosis and treatment for patients in Arvada, CO and the surrounding communniites. Simply walk into our clinic for fast and reliable care.

At AFC Urgent Care Arvada, our facility is state-of-the-art and equipped with an on-site laboratory which allows our medical providers to perform advanced diagnostic testing at the time of your visits. You will get your results quickly and your healthcare provider will help create a customized treatment plan based on the symptoms that you’re experiencing. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options. Walk in today. For additional information, please contact us directly by calling (720) 502-0466.