“Flu symptoms” most common health-related internet search topic

November 7, 2023

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Primary Care

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Green Bay, Wis. – The term “flu symptoms” is currently the highest searched health-related question in Google with a search volume nearly double its runner-up, “diabetes symptoms.”

Prevea Health Family Medicine provider, Dr. Samantha Vouyiouklis, says influenza season peaks in December through February, however as soon as people start spending more time indoors because of colder weather, the influenza virus can begin spreading.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your risk from the flu and its potentially serious complications, such as pneumonia and ear infections,” says Dr. Vouyiouklis. “The influenza virus may also worsen chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and congestive heart failure.”

A person infected with flu most commonly spreads the virus one day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after becoming sick. Flu symptoms typically come on suddenly, unlike the common cold, which gradually presents symptoms.

Common influenza systems include:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue or body aches
  • Runny or stuffy nose

Besides vaccination for all those six months and older, it’s recommended you avoid being around people who are sick; cover your cough and sneezes; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; wash your hands frequently and stay home when you feel sick.

To schedule a flu vaccination at a Prevea clinic, call (888) 277-3832 or visit the MyPrevea patient portal at myprevea.com or the MyPrevea app. For more information, including frequently-asked-questions about flu, please visit: www.prevea.com/flu

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About Prevea Health

Founded in Green Bay, Wis. in 1996, Prevea Health is a health care organization that provides high-quality, primary and specialty health care in 80+ locations across Northern, Eastern and Western Wisconsin in clinic and hospital settings. It is partnered with six Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) hospitals across Wisconsin to provide patients a system of highly-coordinated care, close to home: HSHS St. Vincent Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center in Green Bay; HSHS St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan; HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital in Oconto Falls; HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire; and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls. For more information, visit www.prevea.com.