Flu season starts in October and runs through to the end of March; however, you can still catch the flu in the off-months. Because of this, it’s a good idea to take year-round measures to ensure optimal healthfulness, like thorough hand washing; proper sleep; nutritious meals; and a consistent exercise regimen.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get a flu shot. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop an immune response to the vaccine, making October is the best time to get vaccinated. Even if you’re not vaccinated prior to peak flu season, it’s still important to get a shot; particularly if you’re surrounded by sick individuals.

There’s a misconception that a flu shot can make you sick. Flu shots are comprised of an inactive virus, meaning that the virus present in the flu shot cannot infect you. However, it does take 2 weeks for the flu shot to offer protection, so it’s possible to contract the flu within this span of time. Moreover, it’s possible to catch a strain of the flu virus that’s not covered by the shot. The shot is a great defense against catching the flu, but it’s not perfect.

Side effects from getting a flu shot are minimal, and include headaches, nausea, fever, and soreness at the injection site. If you have an allergic reaction, your symptoms include hoarseness, difficulty breathing and swelling of the lips and eyes. In this type of situation, you should seek urgent care immediately.

There are tried-and-true steps you can take to remain healthy during flu season. Of course, getting a flu shot should be your go-to defense against developing the flu, but a comprehensive approach is best:

• Choose a flu shot option that fits your situation, like a “typical” flu vaccine; Flu Mist, which is a nasal spray; an egg-free flu vaccine if you have an egg allergy; or Fluzone, which is a high-dose version for individuals who are 65 years old or older.

• Wash your hands often throughout the day with warm soapy water.Refrain from touching your eyes, mouth or nose without first washing your hands.

• Do not share cups or utensils.

• Make healthy Lifestyle Choices by eating a balanced diet, getting quality sleep, and exercising regularly.

Stay healthy this flu season and be proactive in your approach to staving off the influenza virus, not only during its most active months, but year-round. Click here to find your closest Quick Care Med location.

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The Influenza virus, otherwise known as the flu, is highly contagious and infects the nose, throat and lungs of its sufferers. Symptoms range from mild to severe and can last for up to two (incredibly) painful weeks. You can be infectious the day before you exhibit symptoms, up to 7 days after your symptoms appear. Children and those with compromised immune systems can remain contagious for an even longer period of time. Obviously, quarantining to avoid spreading the flu virus can be tricky business.

Symptoms

The flu presents itself in a number of different ways, and comes on abruptly; unlike cold symptoms, which appear gradually (2 to 3 days) and slowly go away. Surprisingly, vomiting and diarrhea is not a typical flu symptom, and mostly affects children and only 10% of flu sufferers. If your primary symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea, then you’re probably battling gastroenteritis or a stomach virus, not the flu. Common flu symptoms include:

• Intense fatigue that’s marked by extreme weakness

• Body aches / chills and fever

• Chest discomfort / cough – dry or with phlegm

• Sore throat

• Runny nose or congestion

• Headache

• Vomiting and diarrhea

  Treatment

Antibiotics are for infections caused by bacteria, so they’re ineffective for the treatment of viruses, like the flu. You can request an antiviral from your provider if you have a chronic condition or suppressed immunity. These drugs work best if you take them within 48 hours of exhibiting symptoms. Although general, the following treatments can help ease your symptoms:

• Rest

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Treat aches and pains with over-the-counter pain reliever

• Take a cough suppressant or throat lozenge

• Sit in a steam bath / use a humidifier to ease congestion

• Use saline nasal spray to open nasal passages

When to Seek Urgent Care

Most likely, you will get over the flu without having to see a provider; however, there are instances where it’s in your best interest to seek urgent care:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain or abdominal pain

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms that appear to get better, but then return with a fever and worse cough

• Swelling in the mouth or throat

Quick Care Med has 10 locations, across 4 counties in central Florida. We’re open extended hours and weekends to serve you. Consider us your affordable and time-saving alternative to the ER. Click here to find the closest location to you.

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