Flu season lasts from early fall through spring. The flu can spread quickly from person to person and can cause severe symptoms like a fever, sore throat, cough and congestion. There is no treatment available for the flu. Instead, your body will fight off the infection on its own over time. If you contract the flu, you may be wondering how long your symptoms will last before you start to feel better. The flu can last from anytime within a few days to 10 days depending on the severity of the infection and other complications it causes. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep reading. Our walk-in urgent care clinic is open 7 days a week to provide same-day flu symptom treatment. Simply walk in when it’s convenient for you!
Symptoms of The Flu
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It can spread easily from person to person and while symptoms typically begin as mild cold-like symptoms, they tend to quickly worsen over time. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days up to over a week depending on the severity of the infection and your overall health. The elderly, young children and anyone with underlying conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe illness caused by the flu.
Symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Runny Nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Congestion
- Sore throat
Flu Prevention Strategies
In order to protect yourself from the flu, it is important that you get your annual flu shot. You have to get the shot yearly to fight off whatever strain of the flu that is going to be spreading around during flu season. It's very important as it not only protects you but those high-risk individuals around you such as parents and other relatives. The flu shot works by preparing your immune system to fight off the flu virus in the event that you are exposed to the virus. While it does not completely prevent you from being able to get the flu, it does ensure that your symptoms will be less severe.
Flu Treatment
If you have contracted the flu and are suffering from symptoms like a fever, fatigue, or congestion, you may be wondering how you can shake your symptoms fast. Although there is no treatment available for the flu, there are a few steps that you can take to speed up your healing. Staying properly hydrated and well rested is vital to help to restore your body’s energy so that it can fight off the infection. Taking over the counter medications can help mitigate stubborn symptoms such as congestion and a cough. It may help to take a hot shower to break up any chest congestion or nasal congestion caused by the flu.
Walk Into AFC Back Bay for Flu Diagnosis & Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms of the flu, seeking medical care will ensure that your symptoms are accurately diagnosed and treated. At AFC Urgent Care Back Bay, our walk-in clinic offers flu prevention as well as general illness symptom treatment. We are open 7 days a week, including on weekends, from 8am to 8pm. We never require that you schedule an appointment, simply walk into the clinic for same-day care with short wait times. We’re conveniently located in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. Walk in today!
