With the flu affecting up to 11% of Americans each year, and children at the highest risk of contraction, it is essential to understand how to recognize the symptoms, care for yourself at home, and seek medical attention at an urgent care facility or emergency room if needed.
The flu, or influenza, is a highly transmissible virus that spreads from one person to another by droplets in the air caused by an infected person coughing and sneezing.
The flu is most prevalent in the winter months, when people are more commonly found indoors and closer together. Unlike the common cold or COVID-19, the onset of the flu is rapid, with symptoms appearing abruptly.
Flu symptoms vary by case and range from mild to severe, though most cases are considered moderate.
The most common flu symptoms include:
Gastrointestinal issues are also relatively common in children and include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. High fevers are common but do not have to be present in every influenza diagnosis.
We encourage you to speak with your doctor directly if you are at higher risk for flu complications and believe you have the flu. People in the higher risk group include:
Whether you’re considered high-risk or simply finding yourself under the weather, knowing exactly how to treat the flu is vital to your overall healing. Read on to learn about ways to treat the flu and mitigate your symptoms.
There are various at-home and prescription-based ways to help with flu treatment. When combined, they can work to mitigate symptoms and reduce the overall timeline of your diagnosis.
Reducing your symptoms is the best way to start feeling better sooner.
Some of the best at-home remedies for the flu include:
In moderate to severe flu cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to treat your symptoms. They work best when started within the first 1 to 3 days of getting sick. Taking them after this period is still beneficial and recommended for those at higher risk of developing complications.
There are four FDA-approved antiviral drugs recommended by CDC to treat flu this season, and they include:
If your flu symptoms persist or get worse as the days go on, it may be time to visit your local urgent care facility for more intensive treatment.
Seek medical treatment immediately if:
Coastal Urgent Care of Baton Rouge has an experienced team of specialists who can effectively diagnose and treat your flu symptoms. Don’t delay treatment. We welcome walk-in appointments 7 days a week.