The Flu: All You Need to Know to Get Better


Many are the times, people have mistakenly confused the flu with the common cold. Their symptoms can seem to be similar, but they are not to be used interchangeably. The flu is one of the most common illnesses known to man.
The flu is one of the leading causes of people flooding our urgent care in San Antonio. The flu is a health concern to the whole population, and some basic information can go a long way in keeping most people healthy.

Flu, In a Nutshell 
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It is also known as flu, and it’s not to be confused with the “stomach flu.”
Influenza A and B are the most common strains of the virus that cause the seasonal epidemic. The disease is primarily spread from person to person. It is common during certain times of the year. During this time, there is a spike in flu cases in our urgent care near you.

Symptoms:           
You will experience the influenza symptoms suddenly. Some of those symptoms include:
  • A dry cough
  • A headache
  • A fever
  • A runny or stuffy nose
  • Aches 
  • Cold sweats and shivers
  • Low appetite
  • Fatigue 
  • Malaise (generally feeling unwell)
Complications:          
Typically, the seasonal flu is not that serious. The illness usually subsides after a week or so. However, some people develop complications like:
  • Bronchitis
  • Ear infections
  • Heart problems
  • Pneumonia
  • Asthma flare-ups
If you develop any of these complications, visit our urgent care clinic near you.

Diagnosis: 
The most common flu tests are the conventional viral cell culture test and the rapid flu test. Both of these tests rely on the nasopharynx (NP) test.
There are two ways to get a sample:
  • Flu swab test. Our doctor will use a special swab to get a sample of mucus and other secretions from your throat or nose.
  • NP (nasopharyngeal) aspirate. A saline solution will be injected into your nose; then, our doctor will remove the sample using gentle suction.
Treatment:          
At the moment, there is no cure for influenza. Antibiotics will not work since a virus causes the disease. 
However, medication and remedies can be used to relieve the symptoms and help your body fight the disease.
You can use:
  • Pain relievers
  • Decongestants
  • Expectorants
  • Cough suppressants
If your symptoms persist and you need an urgent care clinic near you, visit us at Alamo City Urgent Care in Marbach or Alamo City Urgent Care in Shaenfield, and we will take care of you.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Urgent Care Treatment for Red Eyes

Common Types of Rashes

Concussions: Symptoms, Types, Treatment, and Prevention