It’s that time of the year, where influenza, also known as the flu, has made itself known. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated influenza is still circulating, and the strain H3N2 can cause serious illnesses. Cases of H3N2 are seen more often now than earlier in the year.

If you have the following symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or Runny Nose
• Chills or Tiredness
• Headaches

These symptoms are significant, as they are associated with mild or moderate cases of the flu. This article will inform you of which signs and symptoms to look for, which will determine if you should go to urgent care for the flu or not.

Signs and Symptoms to Go to Urgent Care

When it comes to the flu, determining if you have mild or moderate symptoms to go to urgent care can be tricky. If you are seeking relief, when the symptoms very mild, over-the-counter medications, self-treatment, or a doctor’s appointment may be appropriate. 

However, urgent care can be useful for mild or moderate symptoms, as well. If you have the following symptoms, you may need to see urgent care:

• Seeking medical attention immediately, however, unable to schedule an appointment with your physician.
• Experiencing mild or moderate symptoms such as sore throat, congestion, runny nose, headaches, fatigue, or chills.

Urgent care can offer testing to confirm if you have the flu or any other virus. X-rays, blood work, IV fluids, and prescription medication is also available. If it is assessed you have life-threatening, severe symptoms, you may have to go to the emergy room instead.

In extreme, severe cases, you may need to go to the emergency room. These symptoms include:

• If you are in a high-risk group, such as infants, elderly, pregnant, or have a medical condition that disrupts a person’s ability to fight the flu
• Showing severe signs such as confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing or respiratory distress

If you are still unsure, your safest bet is to check into the urgent care. From there, professionals will assist you and find you the help you need.

Have Any Questions? Ask Us!

The bottom line is, go to urgent care if you are exhibiting mild or moderate symptoms. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, it may be better to go to an emergency room right away, but if you are unsure, check into urgent care instead.

If you need any help or would like to talk to a professional, contact us today at 781.322.7300