Flu season runs from early October through May which means that we are only a couple of months into the flu season. The flu can infect anyone, including those who are at-risk for flu complications. Learn about common flu symptoms and whether you should seek medical care if you have the flu. Visit AFC Urgent Care Thornton for same-day flu care in Thornton, CO.

Causes & Symptoms of The Flu

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious virus which causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms. The flu is contagious through both directly and indirect contact with infected individuals. The Influenza virus can live on surfaces for over a day, meaning that you can pick up the virus by touching a surface or object that was previously touched by an infected individual. You can also contract the virus by breathing in airborne droplets which are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. During the colder winter months, viruses tend to spread more easily due to the increased close contact with others and increased time spent indoors.

Flu symptoms are notoriously uncomfortable. Symptoms usually last between 4 and 7 days, however they can last longer if you have an underlying condition that makes you more susceptible to severe illness caused by the flu.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Fatigue

Flu Treatment Available At Urgent Care

Viral infections are not treatable with prescription medications. Instead, your body must fight off the infection on its own. If you experience severe symptoms or your symptoms last longer than a week, you should seek medical care for a medical diagnosis to confirm what is causing your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will be able to suggest a customized treatment plan to resolve your symptoms based on a physical evaluation and diagnostic testing. In some cases, the flu causes severe dehydration which may require IV fluids to be administered.

The best way to battle the flu is to protect yourself from becoming infected. The flu is completely preventable with some increased awareness and good hygiene practices. Washing your hands regularly and carrying hand sanitizer can help you avoid contracting the influenza virus from touching infected surfaces. Avoiding touching your face will also reduce the chances of the virus making it into your respiratory system. Getting your annual flu vaccination is the best way to reduce your risk of developing severe illness from the flu.

Visit AFC Urgent Care Thornton For Walk-In Flu Diagnosis & Treatment

If you’re suffering from illness symptoms and fear that you may have contracted the flu, AFC Urgent Care Thornton can help. We offer same-day illness diagnosis and treatment without the need for an appointment so that you can get symptom relief fast. If you’re looking for flu diagnosis and treatment in Thornton, CO, simply walk into our clinic or schedule an appointment online.

At AFC Urgent Care Thornton, our healthcare providers are board-certified and trained to diagnose and treat a variety of common illnesses based on your symptoms. Our facility is equipped with a state of the art laboratory which allows our medical staff to conduct rapid diagnostic testing to provide accurate diagnoses.  AFC Urgent Care Thornton is open seven days a week and offers same-day flu care for patients in Thornton, CO and the surrounding communities. Walk in today. For additional questions regarding the services that we provide, please contact us directly at (720) 751-2910.