During the colder months, many different illnesses circulate. The flu is a very common illness that can lead to severe illness symptoms including congestion, a fever, cough, sore throat, and more. Flu symptoms are highly contagious and spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. The influenza virus can also survive on surfaces, making indirect transmission possible if someone touches a contaminated object and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. People with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after symptoms begin. Understanding how flu symptoms spread is crucial for preventing outbreaks.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of the flu, walk into AFC Urgent Care Southcenter. Our walk-in clinic in Kent, WA, offers same-day flu care including rapid symptom diagnosis and treatment - all without having to schedule an appointment! We maintain short wait times, making us a convenient alternative to the emergency room for non-life-threatening symptoms. Walk-in today!
Flu Symptoms
The flu virus, or influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and it can also survive on surfaces, leading to indirect transmission. Once inside the body, the virus targets the respiratory system, triggering symptoms that can last up to 10 days.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Cough
- Congestion
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Chills
Flu Diagnosis & Treatment near Kent, WA
If you’re feeling sick with any of the symptoms associated with the flu, it is important to seek urgent medical care. Your medical provider will be able to perform a rapid flu test to determine if the flu is causing your symptoms, or if they are caused by another illness. Based on the results, treatment for the flu mainly revolves around symptom management. If you catch your symptoms within 48 hours of contracting the flu, there are medications such as Tamiflu which can significantly reduce symptoms. Flu symptoms can quickly turn into secondary infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, so it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical care if they continue to worsen after a week.
Tips for Preventing the Flu
Preventing the spread of the flu requires a combination of personal hygiene, vaccination, and community-based measures. The contagious period of the flu begins before symptoms even appear and can last for over a week, making it easy to spread the flu without even knowing it. Most people are contagious about one day before symptoms start and remain so for up to five to seven days after becoming sick. The most effective way to reduce flu transmission is by getting an annual flu vaccine, which helps protect against the most common circulating strains.
Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water and avoiding touching the face, can significantly lower the risk of infection. Additionally, staying home when feeling unwell, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and wearing a mask in crowded or high-risk areas can further reduce the spread.
Walk into AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for Flu Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of the flu, walk into AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for rapid care. Our board-certified medical providers are available Monday through Saturday to provide rapid flu care on a walk-in basis. We never require that you schedule an appointment, simply walk in. We have short wait times! Our clinic works with most major medical insurance providers and offers competitive rates for our care. Walk in today, or call us to speak to a member of our team at (425) 291-3300.
