Flu symptoms can resemble cold symptoms, but are often more severe. Unlike a cold, which commonly begins with a sore throat and develops into congestion and a runny nose, flu symptoms can come on suddenly. You might feel fine in the morning and very ill a few hours later.
Flu symptoms include:
- Fever lasting 3 to 4 days (100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit, sometimes higher in young children)
- Muscle aches and pains
- Headache
- Fatigue which can last for 2 to 3 weeks, even after other symptoms disappear
- Dry cough
- Nasal congestion
- Vomiting and diarrhea (for some people)
You can have flu without having a fever.
Most people who get the flu do not need special treatment. If you are at risk for complications from flu, or if your symptoms are severe, a doctor might prescribe an antiviral drug. Antiviral drugs can shorten the duration of your illness and help prevent complications. These drugs are most effective if they are taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. If you think you have the flu and are at risk for complications, see a doctor right away.
If you are concerned about your symptoms, or if your child has a high fever, Urgent Family Care in Knoxville offers walk-in medical care and treatment for flu.
Preventing the Flu
The flu virus is transmitted in droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can pick up the virus by inhaling these droplets, or by handling a contaminated object, such as a phone, and then touching your eye, mouth, or nose.
We at Urgent Family Care in Knoxville, Tennessee suggest these habits can help protect you and your family, and prevent the spread of flu to others:
- Keep your distance from people who are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your hands, eyes, and mouth.
- Wipe surfaces such as tables, counter tops, door handles, keyboards, and phones with disinfectant wipes.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home when you are sick. If you begin to feel unwell during the day, go home to avoid spreading the flu to others. Do not return to work or school until one day after your fever has gone down.
- Let someone else prepare and serve food when you are sick.
Flu spreads easily in the classroom and the workplace. Teach your children to wash their hands before handling food or touching their faces. Keep tissues and disinfectant wipes handy.
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