The flu can cause serious illness. It is very contagious, making it possible for the flu to turn your household into a temporary sick bay. So, what's your plan when the flu makes it home? Here are some of the do’s and don'ts when dealing with the flu in your household. Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen for illness diagnosis & treatment near North Bergen, NJ.
Causes & Symptoms of the Flu
The flu is caused by the Influenza virus. Like many viruses, the flu is very contagious. If you live with others, it can be very easy for the flu to spread through your household. The flu spreads through both direct contact with an infected person, as well as indirect contact such as breathing in the same air as someone who has the flu.
Common Flu Symptoms:
●Fatigue
●Headaches
●Fever
●Chills
●Body aches
●Congestion
●Dry cough
●Nausea
●Loss of appetite
The flu usually lasts under a week, with most cases resolving after four days. However, the flu can lead to severe illness and cause secondary infections such as pneumonia if not managed correctly. With flu season lasting from early October through May, it is important to understand the early symptoms and what to do if someone in your household comes down with the flu to protect yourself from getting sick.
Tips for Staying Healthy This Flu Season
In most cases, the flu resolves on its own. Because it is caused by a virus, there is no medical treatment that can cure the flu. Instead, your body has to fight off the infection on its own. Getting your annual flu shot can help you build up antibodies to prevent severe flu symptoms from occurring if you do catch the flu. However, here are some tips for navigating life if someone in your household gets the flu:
●Isolate the affected person from common areas
●Wear masks in the house
●Open the windows as much as possible
●Disinfect surfaces regularly
●Wash your hands often
●Stock up on electrolytes and over-the-counter medications
Although there is no way to guarantee that you will avoid getting the flu when someone in your household has the flu, there are plenty of ways to lessen your risk of contracting the flu. Ensuring everyone in your household is prepared for flu season by getting their flu shot will greatly reduce the risk of the flu in your household overall.
Visit AFC Urgent Care North Bergen for Same-Day Flu Diagnosis & Treatment
Contracting the flu can disrupt your day-to-day life by forcing you to stay home and isolate while you’re sick. That is why it is important to take preventative measures to try to prevent getting the flu in the first place. AFC Urgent Care North Bergen offers flu shots on a walk-in basis, seven days a week. Simply walk into our clinic, or schedule an appointment online today.
If you’re suffering from flu symptoms, the medical providers at AFC Urgent Care North Bergen can help. Our facility is equipped with an on-site laboratory which allows us to perform diagnostic testing on site. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer affordable care options. Walk in today for illness care and illness prevention services. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly.
