From early fall through the spring, flu season is typically in full swing. Indoor gatherings that take place during flu season can lead to upticks in flu cases, sending people to primary cares, urgent cares and even Emergency Departments.
The flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu can cause many symptoms, such as:
- Fever or chills
- Cough or congestion
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Am I At Risk of Getting the Flu?
Everyone can get the flu, but there are groups of people who are more at risk of having severe symptoms and complications, including:
- Young children under 5
- People over 65
- Pregnant women
- People who have chronic health conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
What to Do if You May Have the Flu
If you have flu symptoms, you can go to your primary care provider’s office or a nearby urgent care. Urgent cares, in particular, provide easy access, allowing patients to get in, get tested, get treatment and get out.
If you test positive for the flu, the best thing you can do is stay at home and rest and try to stay away from people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have the flu are the most contagious in the first three days of the sickness, and they should stay home for at least five days once symptoms begin.
If you do have to be around people, prevent spreading the flu to others by:
- Wearing a mask
- Keeping your hands clean
- Covering your cough
- Cleaning commonly touched surfaces
Can I Protect Myself from the Flu?
The good news is that you can protect yourself from the flu as well. Besides wearing a mask if it feels comfortable for you, as well as keeping your hands and commonly touched surfaces clean, the best way to protect yourself is to get your flu shot each year.
The flu shot significantly reduces your risk of getting the flu. The flu shot is not a 100% foolproof way to avoid getting the flu. If you do get the flu, the flu shot reduces the risk of complications and symptom severity.
It is important to know that the flu shot cannot give you the flu. If you feel any symptoms the day of the shot or the day after, they are likely resulting from your immune system responding to the vaccination.
In addition to getting the flu shot, you can help keep your immune system healthy and strong by:
- Exercising
- Eating a balanced diet
- Getting enough sleep at night
- Managing your stress well
UofL Health is Here for You
If you think you may have the flu, call UofL Physicians – Primary Care at 502-588-4343 to make an appointment with a primary care provider, or you can visit your nearest UofL Health – Urgent Care Plus location. You can also visit one of our primary care offices if you need the flu vaccine.
