Fall marks the beginning of flu season. With the first day of fall just around the corner and back-to-school season upon us, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with the flu. Getting your annual flu shot will reduce the risk of developing a severe case of the flu, however, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of contracting the influenza virus. The flu can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms including a fever and vomiting. Keep reading to learn more about common symptoms of the flu and the steps that you can take to protect yourself from the flu. If you’re feeling under the weather, AFC Urgent Care Burlington can help. Our walk-in clinic provides patients near Burlington, MA, with rapid same-day illness diagnosis and treatment. Simply walk into the clinic!
Common Symptoms of the Flu
The flu is a viral infection that is very contagious from person to person. It affects the respiratory system which includes the lungs, sinuses, and airway. Flu symptoms commonly begin slowly and can sometimes mimic symptoms commonly presented by a common cold. However, the flu can progress rapidly and symptoms can be severe. A telltale sign that you have the flu, not a cold, is that the flu causes a fever and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting which are not symptoms of a cold.
Other common flu symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Headache
The Flu vs the Stomach Flu
If you’re feeling sick, there are many different illnesses that could be causing your symptoms. Because of this, it is important to seek medical care for a proper diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. There are multiple different illnesses that can cause symptoms similar to the flu. One of these is the stomach flu. Although its name suggests that the stomach flu and the flu could be the same illness, they are actually different. The stomach flu can be caused by a variety of different pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and even parasites, while the flu is caused by the influenza virus. The stomach flu also only causes gastrointestinal symptoms, while the flu can cause some gastrointestinal symptoms but mostly impacts the respiratory system.
How to Treat the Flu
If you’re feeling sick with symptoms of the flu, you should seek medical care. The flu can share symptoms with other common illnesses, including the stomach flu, which can make it difficult to diagnose at home. Understanding what is causing your symptoms is the best way to effectively treat them.
Because the flu is caused by a virus, it cannot be treated with medications such as antibiotics. This means that in most cases, you have to manage flu symptoms while your body fights off the infection over time. In most cases, flu symptoms will resolve within a week. However, if your symptoms are worsening over time or not getting better then you should seek medical care. There are many different over-the-counter medications available to manage symptoms caused by the flu. It is vital that you stay hydrated by drinking antibiotics, especially if you’re vomiting.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Burlington for Flu Symptom Diagnosis & Treatment in Burlington, MA
If you’re feeling sick this fall, AFC Urgent Care Burlington can help. Our clinic is equipped with an on-site lab, allowing our medical providers to test for common fall illnesses like the flu for a more accurate treatment plan. We treat patients of all ages and are open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm. Our clinic accepts walk-in patients daily and maintains short wait times. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer competitive rates for patients without insurance. Simply walk into the clinic today for same-day illness care.
