There are some clear ways to determine whether you are suffering from the flu or just have a bad cold. At our urgent care center in Stamford we want you to know the signs and the symptoms of the flu. Watch this AFC Urgent Care Medical Minute to find out more about the flu.

Both the flu and a common cold are respiratory infections caused by viruses. The symptoms of these infections can and do often overlap. This can sometimes make it difficult to determine whether someone is suffering from the flu or a bad cold.
It’s estimated that every year between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population suffer from the flu. Over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu complications, and the flu is responsible for about 23,600 deaths every year. It should not be taken lightly.

The three most common types of flu viruses that we see regularly are influenza A, influenza B and influenza C. Types A and B viruses are the ones that cause seasonal epidemics.

Common Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever of 100oF or higher. However, it should be noted that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Vomiting, nausea, and/or diarrhea (particularly among children)
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Fatigue, and a general feeling of malaise
• Chills
• A congested or runny nose

People suffering from a common cold are less likely to have a high fever. Also, with a cold, symptoms such as a runny nose or throat irritation typically improve within a few days. Flu’s in general last longer.
The flu virus can cause a high fever that can last 3 to 4 days, while other symptoms such as extreme fatigue can persist for weeks.

The flu is avoidable. Here at AFC Urgent Care we offer the flu vaccine, 7 days a week, no appointment necessary.