With flu season beginning to ramp up in our communities, you may be left wondering questions like, is flu contagious? To avoid experiencing any flu symptoms, it’s essential to understand how the virus is spread. Continue reading to find answers to some common flu-related questions. Visit the walk
Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Toms River to get your flu shot. It can take up to two weeks after vaccination for the protective antibodies to develop. By getting your flu vaccine early, you can best protect yourself and those around you.
Common Flu Symptoms
For most healthy adults, flu symptoms are relatively mild and don’t require hospitalization. However, symptoms of the flu are more severe than the common cold, and can leave you feeling sick for weeks. Young children, elderly, and those with chronic health conditions need to be more careful as their symptoms can lead to more serious complications.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever and/or chills
- Cough
- Chest congestion
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or sinus congestion
- Headache
- Fatigue
How Influenza Spread in Communities
In most cases, flu spreads in communities through droplets within the air. When people are sick with the flu, they may sneeze or cough germs that contain the contagious virus. The germs can travel up to six feet, meaning that influenza can spread when you are in close contact with other sick people. You can be exposed to the flu virus after you breathe the droplets in, or if they land in your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Additionally, influenza can also spread when people touch a surface that has the virus on it. The best way to prevent flu is by practicing protective measures, including frequent hand washing, sanitizing, avoiding large gatherings, and getting your flu shot early in the season. Come visit the walk-in clinic to get your flu shot today!
How long are you contagious?
If you get diagnosed with influenza, you are contagious for about a week. Usually, patients with the flu are contagious one day before any symptoms become noticeable. The ability to spread flu to other people can range for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. When you have the flu, it’s important to limit your interactions with other people in your community. Some groups of people, including children and those with weakened immune systems, can potentially spread the virus even longer.
Flu Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Toms River
When you’re sick, AFC Urgent Care Toms River is there. The walk-in clinic stays open every day of the week, making weekend flu treatment accessible when you need it. Don’t let your symptoms get the best of you this flu season. Visit our urgent care center with no appointment necessary. Call now for more information at (732) 719-7788.
