Flu season is here, and it is already affecting many people in and around the Cleveland area.

As a result, our team at AFC Urgent Care Cleveland wants to make sure you are doing all you can to protect yourself from getting the flu this year.

What Is the Flu A H3N2?

On average, 5 to 20% of Americans suffer from the flu each year. Influenza, also known as “the flu,” can occur in many different forms, one of which is H3N2.

While H3N2 is a subtype of viruses that cause the flu, H3N2 viruses can also infect not only humans but also birds and mammals. Last year, the H3N2 virus was the strain of the flu responsible for most cases of flu illness.

Flu A H3N2 Symptoms

• Body aches
• Cough
• Diarrhea, especially in children
• Exhaustion
• Fever
• Headache
• Minor congestion
• Sore throat
• Vomiting

What Can I Do to Prevent the Flu?

While nothing is 100%, the flu vaccine is still the best way to prevent the flu. Even if you do happen to catch the flu, having the flu shot will help you to not only experience less severe symptoms but also to recover quicker than if you did not have the flu vaccine.

In addition, you want to make sure that you are washing your hands regularly with soap and warm water to help prevent the spread of germs and illness, particularly during the flu season.

Flu A H3N2 Treatment

• Antiviral prescriptions, if prescribed by a physician
• Bed rest
• Cough medicine
• Decongestant
• Plenty of liquids
• Throat lozenges

Do you think you might be experiencing symptoms of the flu? Make a visit to AFC Urgent Care Clevelandfor a medical evaluation and treatment plan.