During the winter months, illnesses tend to spread quickly. One common winter illness is the flu. The flu is a viral infection that can cause severe illness and spread quickly from person to person. Because the flu is caused by a viral infection, you cannot treat it with medications. Your body will fight off the infection on its own over time, however, there are ways to manage your symptoms at home with the help of at-home remedies and OTC medications. If you’re experiencing symptoms of the flu, visit AFC Stoneham. We offer same-day illness symptom diagnosis and treatment for flu-like symptoms on a walk-in basis. Our clinic is open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm and we accept most medical insurance plans!
Symptoms of the Flu
The flu is a common viral infection that can cause severe illness. While the flu is not life-threatening, its symptoms can be severe and potentially dangerous for the elderly, young children, or anyone with underlying health conditions. The flu is very contagious, so it is important to be able to identify symptoms of the flu so that you can self-isolate and treat yourself effectively.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Chills
- Headache
- Cough
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
Treatment Options for the Flu
If you contract the flu, you may be wondering how you treat it. Flu symptoms can be uncomfortable and can last up to a week. Because the flu is caused by a viral infection, it cannot be treated with medications such as antibiotics. Instead, treatment options for the flu include symptom management, rest, and the use of OTC medications. Getting plenty of rest will give your immune system the energy it needs to fight off the infection effectively. The flu will eventually resolve on its own with time. However, over the counter medications may be helpful to keep comfortable and manage symptoms while you’re healing. Your medical provider will be able to advise on medications and suggested doses.
Flu Prevention
Prevention is the best medicine for the flu. The flu is severely contagious and can easily spread through direct contact with someone who is sick as well as through airborne particles and by touching the same surface as someone who is sick with the flu. Proper hygiene such as frequent hand washing can prevent the virus from reaching your respiratory system. Getting your annual flu shot is the most effective way to prevent severe illness caused by the flu. The flu shot prepares your immune system to effectively fight off the flu if you were to contract it. AFC Urgent Care Stoneham offers flu shots on a walk-in basis 7 days a week!
Walk Into AFC Stoneham for Flu Prevention & Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of the flu, it is important to know proper care steps to ensure a quick recovery. At AFC Urgent Care Stoneham, we offer preventative measures such as flu shots as well as flu symptom diagnosis & treatment to help prevent the spread of the flu during peak flu season. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care in Stoneham, MA. We’re open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm and accept most medical insurance plans. Walk-in today!
