Flu symptoms are similar to other illnesses, so it can be hard to diagnose just from symptoms. There are tests to see whether or not a person is ill from influenza or not.

Flu symptoms generally show up two days after someone is exposed and infected to the influenza virus. However, this can range from one day to upwards of four days.

It is also important to note that not everyone with the flu will have all of the symptoms. For example, vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children with the flu than adults. Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Feeling feverish/having chills
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

How long is the flu contagious?

A lot of factors impact how long someone who has the flu will be contagious. For example, aperson’s immune system and the strain of flu will cause the contagious period to vary.

On average, people are the most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness starts. Otherwise, healthy adults can spread the flu one day before their symptoms develop and up to a week after becoming sick. Young school-aged children are likely to spread the flu as they begin to learn basic hygiene, and due to their developing immune system.

How can I avoid getting the flu?

While avoiding those who have been sick with the flu during their contagious periods is a great way to prevent getting the flu, it is not easy to predict and may not be entirely accurate.

The vaccine is available as a shot or a nasal spray. The CDC does not promote one method over the other; both are effective at preventing the flu. If you do not want to make a doctor’s appointment to receive a flu shot, consider visiting an urgent care center. Urgent care centers accept walk-ins and can get you a flu shot quickly.

Patients that need flu shots immediately can always visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford to get same day flu shots whenever you need them. Just simply visit our urgent care facility whenever you need to get your flu shots!

Urgent care providers at our Bedford facility will always be able to get a wide variety of urgent care services. This flu season, make sure that you are ready to brace for a potential spike in flu cases with your flu shot!