The flu is a very common infection which typically experiences it’s peak number of cases between October and March. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is highly contagious and comes in multiple different strains - Influenza A and Influenza B. If you’re curious to know whether flu symptoms can fluctuate while you’re sick with the flu, keep reading. If you’re expriencing flu-like symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock for same-day urgent illness care without the need to book an appointment.
Causes & Symptoms of The Flu
The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection that affects your nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by a virus, however, it should not be confused with the “stomach flu” that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The flu does not typically cause gastrointestinal symptoms.
The flu can cause severe illness, even for healthy adults. Those who are elderly, immunocompromised, or have underlying heart and lung conditions may be at an increased risk of developing severe illness from the flu. Flu symptoms can last anywhere from a couple of days to a week.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Post-nasal drip
Can Flu Symptoms Come Back?
The short answer is yes - flu symptoms can fluctuate over times and may come and go. Healing from an illness is not a linear process. Sometimes, symptoms of the flu can start days after you have contracted the flu. Similarly, symptoms can appear at the start of the infection and disappear quickly after a day, and then come back again. This is because your immune system is fighting off the infection which can take a few days and cause symptoms to fluctuate in severity.
If you suspect you may have the flu, but aren’t sure whether your symptoms are severe enough, you should seek medical care. Seeking early care can help ensure you are correctly treating your symptoms and have the resources you need to manage your symptoms. Because the flu is so contagious, it is important to self-isolate if you have the flu, making it important to get tested if you think you have the flu.
Flu Diagnosis & Treatment Available Near Castle Rock, CO
Although the flu can cause severe symptoms, it cannot be treated with medication. Viruses do not react to prescription antibiotics or other medications. As a result, your body must fight off the virus on its own. If you are at a high risk for severe illness, you should always seek urgent care if you think you have the flu. Your medical provider can provide a diagnosis and supportive care.
If you think you may have symptoms of the flu, seeking medical care early can greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms. The flu often begins with mild symptoms which are similar to the symptoms of a common cold, making it difficult to differentiate from less severe illnesses. Your medical provider will evaluate your symptoms, and will likely preform diagnostic testing which can include swabbing your nose and throat as well as doing a blood test to check for any signs of an infection. Depending on the results, your healthcare provider will provide the available treatment options to help you recover quickly.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock for Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should seek medical care for a formal diagnosis. Flu symptoms often begin as very mild, cold-like symptoms. However, the flu is a much more severe infection and is highly contagious. At AFC Urgent Care Castle Rock, we understand that your time is valuable. That is why we offer same-day illness care without the need to schedule an appointment. Simply walk into our clinic for rapid illness care today.
Our clinic is state-of-the-art and equipped with a laboratory on-site, allowing us to conduct rapid illness testing at the time of your visit. We maintain short wait times so that you can get the care that you need when you need it. We accept most medical insurance plans, and offer affordable care options for patients paying out of pocket for their healthcare. Visit the clinic today, or contact us directly for more information by calling (303) 660-9700.
