Flu -- How People Catch It, How to Identify Symptoms, And What To Do

January 20, 2020

Everyone has heard about the flu and just how nasty it can be. But many people are not sure how the illness gets caught, how to identify its symptoms, and further, what they can do about them. If you're one of these people and you're trying to stay healthy this flu season, then here's a simple guide for you to follow so you can maintain the health of you and your family in the coming months.

How Do People Catch it in The First Place?

Unfortunately, there are many different ways that a person can catch the flu. Because influenza germs are carried throughout the air, catching the illness can be as easy as breathing in an area that has been infected with germs. Similarly, you can also catch the illness by touching an object such as a phone, a handrail, or a keyboard. Because the flu is so common, it's a good idea to take the necessary precautions to reduce your risk of exposure. You should get a flu shot if you are concerned about catching the illness. The vaccine will protect against a wide variety of different strains, which gives you the best chance of avoiding the illness altogether.

How Can You Identify Flu-like Symptoms?

Symptoms of the illness are usually not too hard to identify. Typically you will first notice a high fever setting in. Along with increased body temperature, many people report experiencing a cough, runny nose, fatigue, and a sore throat. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sore, aching muscles. Sometimes it can be difficult to separate flu symptoms from those that are associated with a common cold. However, if you are ever in doubt then you should not hesitate to seek medical attention as ignoring these symptoms can lead to wide-reaching negative consequences for you and your loved ones.

What Can You Do to Treat the Flu?

First and foremost, you should know that if you or someone in your family has the flu, there are options for seeking treatment. A lot of people tend to get stressed and lose sight of their treatment options in the frenzy of such an illness. So the first step to finding the right approach to treatment is to try and remain as calm and optimistic as you possibly can.

Next up, it's a good idea to get in touch with the closest urgent care center. Once you notice any sort of flu symptoms, it's wise to make sure that you get the right attention you need as soon as possible. While the flu might be quite common, it also has the potential to be dangerous and damaging to anyone who catches it. It doesn't matter if you think you have the flu or not, you should never hesitate to seek the appropriate care and medical attention in the event of symptoms.

Urgent care centers are an excellent option for most people. Not only do urgent care centers offer high-quality treatments and caring staff members, but they also stay on top of the most common illnesses including the flu. In fact, the Urgent Care Association of America's 2016 Benchmarking Report found that the most common illnesses diagnosed at urgent care centers in 2015 were acute upper respiratory infection, acute sinusitis, acute pharyngitis, cough, and acute bronchitis. Even if you're not dealing with any of these common illnesses, an urgent care center can be just the thing you need to get you and your family feeling normal, happy, and healthy again.

At Centric Urgent Care, our team of experienced medical professionals is here to help you and your family when you are experiencing symptoms related to the flu, or any other kind of medical condition. With knowledgeable medical staff and affordable rates, we are proud to serve families of all different kinds at our location. If you're wondering how you can get started, then do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today for more information. We can't wait to be by your side as we help you return to a life of health and longevity.