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

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