Flu

What do I need to know about the flu?

The flu, also referred to as influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system that affects millions of people in the United States every year. You may be at risk of becoming infected if someone with the flu coughs or sneezes and you breathe in the droplets, or, you touch an object contaminated with the virus and then touch your face.

How do I know if my symptoms are from the flu?

Flu symptoms are very similar to the symptoms you experience with the common cold, which can make it difficult for you to determine whether you have a cold or the flu. However, with a flu infection, the symptoms tend to develop very quickly and are more severe than the cold.

Common flu symptoms include:

• Body aches
• Fever and chills
• Cough, runny nose, stuffy head
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fatigue and weakness

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact the team at Pinnacle Health Group and schedule an appointment for an evaluation. Getting the right treatment for the flu early can help you feel better faster.

How is the flu diagnosed?

Your Pinnacle Health Group provider can run a quick flu test to determine if your symptoms are related to the viral infection. Your practitioner also reviews your symptoms and activity, and performs a physical exam.

What types of treatments can help me get over the flu?

If you get a flu diagnosis within the first 48 hours of your symptoms, your Pinnacle Health Group provider can prescribe an antiviral medication that may help lessen the duration of your symptoms. The antiviral won’t cure the illness, but can help you feel better sooner.

Your provider may also prescribe:

• Rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Over-the-counter pain medications

It’s also important that you avoid public places until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours so you don’t spread the virus.

What can I do to protect myself from the flu?

Getting your annual flu vaccine can protect you from the flu. It doesn’t guarantee that you won’t catch the viral infection, but it may help shorten the length of your illness and help you avoid other flu-related complications. It’s especially important for certain groups of people, including the elderly and those with chronic health issues, to get the flu vaccine.

For management of your flu symptoms, call Pinnacle Health Group today or book an appointment online.

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