There are very few common illnesses that can make you feel quite as bad as the flu. Luckily, flu season occurs only once a year. But even one flu illness can be devastating for some patients.
“Flu” here means illness caused by Influenza virus types A and B. This is the respiratory flu, not the gastrointestinal flu. Classic symptoms of Influenza A or B are: fever (though not everyone with flu will have a fever), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and tiredness. Some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. It seems your whole body is sick. The symptoms of respiratory flu usually come on suddenly and typically last 10 to 14 days, however, some may be ill for up to three weeks.
Influenza is mainly a clinical diagnosis. If there is flu in the community, and you present with the above symptoms, chances are good that you have the flu. There is a diagnostic test that can be performed. By obtaining some mucus from the nose, done by a nasal swab, a lab test can determine rather quickly whether or not you have Influenza.
If Influenza is diagnosed early in the illness, an antiviral medication can be prescribed that may shorten the course of the illness and lessen the severity of the symptoms. They may also prevent serious flu complications. If started in the first 24 to 48 hours of illness, antivirals may decrease the duration of fever and other symptoms. The sooner these are started, the better the chance of improvement. Antivirals might also be prescribed to prevent Influenza from spreading to an entire household. Fever reducers, pain relievers, decongestants, cough suppressants, rest and plenty of fluids will get you through the worst until you or your child feels well again.
Click here to view our upcoming flu clinics at a location near you!
Anyone may receive their annual flu vaccine at any Prevea health centers. You do not need to go to the Prevea health center where your primary care provider is located. We strongly recommend that patients schedule an appointment. Visit www.myprevea.com, call your provider’s office or call (888) 277-3832.
Please check your insurance coverage prior to your appointment as we will bill your insurance company.
“Flu” here means illness caused by Influenza virus types A and B. This is the respiratory flu, not the gastrointestinal flu. Classic symptoms of Influenza A or B are: fever (though not everyone with flu will have a fever), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and tiredness. Some may experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. It seems your whole body is sick. The symptoms of respiratory flu usually come on suddenly and typically last 10 to 14 days, however, some may be ill for up to three weeks.
Influenza is mainly a clinical diagnosis. If there is flu in the community, and you present with the above symptoms, chances are good that you have the flu. There is a diagnostic test that can be performed. By obtaining some mucus from the nose, done by a nasal swab, a lab test can determine rather quickly whether or not you have Influenza.
If Influenza is diagnosed early in the illness, an antiviral medication can be prescribed that may shorten the course of the illness and lessen the severity of the symptoms. They may also prevent serious flu complications. If started in the first 24 to 48 hours of illness, antivirals may decrease the duration of fever and other symptoms. The sooner these are started, the better the chance of improvement. Antivirals might also be prescribed to prevent Influenza from spreading to an entire household. Fever reducers, pain relievers, decongestants, cough suppressants, rest and plenty of fluids will get you through the worst until you or your child feels well again.
What about prevention?
- Washing your hands regularly is a great start!
- Yearly flu shots are the most important step in protecting yourself against the flu.
- Flu vaccination can help keep you from getting sick with the flu. Several studies have shown it reduces severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
- It can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization.
- It is an important preventive tool for people with certain chronic health conditions.
- During pregnancy, vaccination helps protect pregnant people from flu during and after pregnancy and helps protect their infants from flu in their first few months of life.
- Can be lifesaving in children.
- May also protect people around you.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- For flu, CDC recommends that people stay home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. Fever should be gone without the need to use a fever-reducing medicine.
Click here to view our upcoming flu clinics at a location near you!
Anyone may receive their annual flu vaccine at any Prevea health centers. You do not need to go to the Prevea health center where your primary care provider is located. We strongly recommend that patients schedule an appointment. Visit www.myprevea.com, call your provider’s office or call (888) 277-3832.
Please check your insurance coverage prior to your appointment as we will bill your insurance company.
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