As the seasons change, so does the risk of different illnesses. When the weather gets colder and we tend to stay indoors more often, the threat of influenza (the flu) rises. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can sweep through communities affecting people of all ages. The symptoms can be mild for some and severe for others, even leading to hospitalization in severe cases. In this blog, we’ll shed light on how the flu spreads so you can curb its transmission and protect your loved ones.

For a walk-in flu shot and flu treatment, visit AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. We provide flu vaccination for all patients on a walk-in basis. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, just pre-register using the link below!

Pre-Register Online

Causes and Symptoms of the Flu

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can affect anyone– causing mild to severe symptoms that affect daily life. The flu tends to be more prevalent during the fall and winter months, typically peaking between December and February. Each year, new strains of influenza mutate and evolve which makes annual flu vaccination crucial.

Common symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Muscle Aches
• Fatigue
• Headache

Different Ways Influenza Spreads

Here are a few common ways the flu spreads. Knowing how this illness spreads in your community can help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy:

1. Airborne Transmission: The flu primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can travel through the air up to six feet and infect people nearby.

2. Surface Contamination: Flu viruses can also survive on surfaces, including doorknobs, counters, or phones, for a limited time. When a person touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their face, the virus can enter their body and lead to infection.

3. Direct Contact: Close contact with an infected person, like hugging or kissing, can also facilitate the spread of influenza. The virus can easily transfer from one person to another through direct physical contact.

4. Seasonal Variations: Seasonal changes and close proximity in enclosed spaces can contribute to the spread of the flu.

How To Prevent Flu Symptoms

Individuals with the flu can spread the virus even before they show symptoms. This makes it challenging to prevent transmission since people may unknowingly pass on the virus to others. This makes following additional preventive measures crucial. Getting an annual flu shot remains the most effective way to prevent the flu. It not only protects the vaccinated person, but also reduces the spread of the virus within the community. Some people– infants, elderly, those with weakened immune systems– are at an increased risk for flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization. Further prevention methods include hand hygiene, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact, and cleaning surfaces.

Get a Walk-in Flu Shot at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill

Understanding how the flu spreads empowers us to take proactive steps in preventing its transmission. By following these methods, we can all work towards minimizing the impact of the flu in our community. Do you still need a flu shot? Visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. We are open seven days a week and provide urgent care services with no appointment necessary. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for any self-paying patient. If you have any additional questions about flu shots or treatment, call us directly at 303-639-1000.