Autumn means many fun things: tailgating, apple picking, fall fair season and unfortunately the start of flu season. Seems early, doesn’t it? Thankfully the flu is preventable, but you’ll need to act soon. Don’t worry because we are here to help! Sometimes even the best preparation isn’t enough and we still get sick, but sometimes it can be confusing. How do you know if what you have is the flu or just a cold?
Is it flu or just a cold?
One distinct difference with the flu is that the fever starts abruptly, while with a cold there may be a gradual fever or may not be one at all. Fevers associated with colds typically run from 99-100 degrees, whereas fevers associated with the flu can run up to 104 degrees. Body aches, headaches, joint aches, decreased appetite, and a dry cough are hallmarks of a flu. With a cold, while you might experience similar symptoms, the prevalent symptoms are going to be a runny stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, a cough with the possibility of a low-grade fever.
Who is at Higher Risk of Flu Related Complications?
- People with Asthma
- Folks 65 years of age and older
- Heart Disease
- Immunosuppressed individuals (not only individuals with AIDS but people undergoing chemotherapy as well)
- Kids 5 years of age and younger
- Liver Disease
- Metabolic Diseases (Diabetes)
- Pregnant Women
- Pulmonary Disease
- Sickle Cell Disease
What are the Possible Complications of the Flu?
- Ear Infections
- Pneumonia
- Sinus Infections
- Tracheobronchitis (croup)
Can anyone get the Flu Vaccine?
According to the CDC, there are certain people who should not get the Flu Vaccine. These include people who have had prior severe reactions to the flu vaccine, potentially stemming from certain allergies, such as people who have egg allergies, as the flu vaccine contains a small amount of egg protein.
Want to Prevent the Flu?
In order to prevent the flu, the best course of action is to get the actual flu shot. This year AFC is able to offer the quadrivalent flu vaccine which helps guard against 4 different types of flu (2 types of Influenza A and 2 types of Influenza B.)
Get Your Flu Shot Today!
At AFC Urgent Care West Hartford you can walk right in, no appointment necessary, to our walk-in clinic located at: 1030 Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06119-1801. All our locations are open 7 days a week and ready to treat you. You can save time by checking in online and we accept most insurances.
