Nearly 50 million influenza cases were reported in the United States in one year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But one thing that stood out in each report was that over 50% affirmed that the flu came with muscle and joint aches. For people with preexisting joint issues, the flu can be a terrible experience as it comes along with extra discomfort. This article explains why the flu comes with body aches and what to do about them.
For a walk-in flu shot or flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Farmington. Our medical team is here seven days a week and provides quality urgent care with no appointment necessary. Simply stop by at your convenience!
Understanding Flu-Related Body Aches
When the body gets infected with a virus, the body signals the immune system to launch an attack against the foreign invaders to protect the body. It sends antibodies against the antigens attacking the body and signals the location of these viruses by inflaming the body. Whenever you feel pain when you have the flu, keep in mind that the pain is the body's response against the flu and not the flu itself. The inflammation you feel is the body's cytokine, a chemical response by the white blood cell that signals the position of viruses. Once the body's antibodies hands with the virus antigens, the body produces a unique protein which is toxic to the antigens, thus killing the viral particle
How to Relieve Body Aches From The Flu
As your body battles against the influenza virus to keep you safe, there are other ways to reduce the achy feeling you experience.
Take Pain Relief
One of the best ways to manage pain is to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like Advil. These medications help reduce inflammation in the body and may even lower your feverish condition. Before you decide on taking one, ensure you speak to your doctor and request a prescription from your urgent care as certain NSAIDs impede with other medications you may be taking.
Drink Enough Water
You can never go wrong with water because staying hydrated can help relieve your body aches. When your body fights off an illness, you are likely to lose bodily fluid via diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating excessively and the only way to replenish the lost fluid is by drinking enough water. You can also supply extra energy by drinking electrolyte fluids.
Use a Heating Pad or Soothing Gel
By shooting heat to the aching joints, you can help reduce your aches. Simply get heating pads or a heated blanket and place them in the achy joints to relax your muscles. You can also use a soothing gel or balm if you do not have access to a heating pad. Both products produce the same desired effect of relief.
When To Seek Medical Attention
Flu-induced pain is temporary and should go away between two to seven days. However, if you continue to experience severe body aches, there may be an underlying health issue that should be tackled immediately. While it is common to feel discomfort when you move your joints, you should not experience stabbing pain or experience swollen joints when you move. Reach out to an urgent care facility if you are experiencing joint pains that prevent mobility. Joint pains that come along with swelling or feverish conditions require the immediate consultation of a medical doctor.
For same-day flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Farmington. If you are experiencing joint pain, our providers can examine your condition and plan treatment accordingly. We’re open seven days a week– just walk-in. If you have any additional questions about flu-related joint pain, or the services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (505) 326-6000.
