The flu can cause a variety of different illness symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms can change over time as your illness progresses and during the recovery process. If you have flu-like symptoms but have lost your voice, you may be wondering whether that is a possible symptoms of the flu. Learn more about what causes laryngitis, whether the flu can cause it, and what to do if you’re suffering from laryngitis. Visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment. Our clinic offers walk-in care 7 days a week from 8am-8pm.
Flu Causes & Symptoms
The flu is caused by a viral infection which affects your respiratory system. The virus is highly contagious and easily spread from person to person. The virus can spread through airborne particles, direct contact, or being passed through touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms can last anywhere from a couple of days up to a week. For most healthy adults, the flu will pass on its own without a medical intervention, however, the flu can cause severe illness for those who are immunocompromised or have other underlying health conditions.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Post-nasal drip
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sneezing
Can the Flu Cause Laryngitis?
The simple answer is yes - the flu can cause laryngitis. However, the flu won’t always cause laryngitis and laryngitis is rarely diagnosed by a medical professional because it typically resolves on its own quickly. Illnesses other than the flu can also cause laryngitis.
What is Laryngitis?
Laryngitis is the term used to describe losing your voice. It is caused by a swelling of the vocal cords which inhibits them from vibrating correctly to allow you to talk. Laryngitis is commonly caused by viral infections which cause symptoms such as a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, however, it can also be caused by a bacterial infection. In mild cases, laryngitis causes a hoarse voice, however, it is possible for you to completely lose the ability to talk in some cases. You can also cause laryngitis by overusing your vocal cords by yelling.
When to Seek Urgent Care for Flu Symptoms
The flu can cause severe symptoms, including a fever, however, it typically resolves on its own over time without the need for medical intervention. If you think you have the flu, it is important to receive diagnostic testing. The flu shares many symptoms with more serious illnesses and is very contagious. If you have the flu, it is important to self-isolate until your symptoms have completely resolved.
If you are immunocompromised, elderly, or have underlying heart or lung conditions, you should always seek immediate medical care for any flu-like symptoms. The flu can cause severe illness for those who are at risk due to age or underlying conditions.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Bedford for Same-Day Illness Care in Bedford, MA
If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should seek medical care for diagnostic testing. At AFC Urgent Care Bedford, our medical staff is board-certified and trained to diagnose a wide variety of common illnesses, including the flu. We offer illness diagnosis and treatment services daily from 8am-8pm. We never require that you schedule an appointment in advance to receive prompt medical care for your illness symptoms, simply walk into the clinic when it’s convenient for you. For more information regarding our clinic, contact us directly by calling (781) 430-8161.
