Should You Go to ER or Urgent Care for The Flu?

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Should You Go To ER or Urgent Care For The Flu

What Is a Flu?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The viruses are usually classified into three main types: A, B, and C. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for the common seasonal flu epidemics, while influenza C viruses cause milder respiratory illnesses.

Causes of The Flu?

The flu virus is highly contagious, typically transmitted through respiratory droplets. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, you can catch the flu by touching the surface contaminated with the virus, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.

Unfortunately, the flu virus is notorious for mutating, changing its genetic makeup. It makes it particularly difficult to develop long-lasting immunity against the flu. Therefore, doctors in hospitals and ERs near you insist on updating the flu vaccine every year. The goal is to protect you against the most prevalent strains of the flu virus.

Other factors that increase your risk of getting the flu include:

  1. A weakened immune system, such as HIV/AIDS.
  2. Age – older adults and young children are more susceptible to the Influenza viruses.
  3. Living or working in crowded environments
  4. Underlying medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease.

How to Know You Have a Flu?

The quickest way to self-diagnose yourself for the flu is to consider the symptoms. Here are some common symptoms that may indicate you have the flu:

  1. Fever – is usually the first symptom of the flu. Your body temperature may rise to 100°F or higher.
  2. Body aches – you may experience muscle and joint pains.
  3. Fatigue – feeling extremely tired or weak
  4. Cough – a dry, persistent cough
  5. Headache
  6. A sore and scratchy throat – can make it difficult to swallow.
  7. Runny or stuffy nose – can make it difficult to breathe.

Is A Flu an Urgent Care Condition?

The flu is not necessarily a condition that always necessitates immediate care. Still, visit us at Express Emergency Room Abilene for diagnosis and treatment. The primary reason is that flu symptoms can easily look like the common cold or other infections. Therefore, you may be quick to self-medicate the flu yet be treating the wrong problem.

Further, any underlying health conditions can aggravate the flu symptoms, making it an urgent problem. For example, patients that meet the following factors can suffer severe complications of the flu unless they seek treatment in an ER near them:

  1. Weakened immune system
  2. Underlying chronic medical conditions
  3. Advanced age

Some other reasons you should seek treatment in an emergency room in Abilene, TX, are:

  1. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  2. Chest
  3. Persistent vomiting
  4. Dizziness or confusion
  5. Seizures
  6. Blue lips or face
  7. Dehydration

​10 Tips for preventing the flu

The good news is that you can take preventive measures to prevent the flu. The stakes are higher if you are at a high risk of flu complications. Here are some tips for preventing the flu:

  1. Get vaccinated : Get a flu shot every year.
  2. Practice good hygiene : Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially before eating or touching your face.
  3. Protect yourself and others : Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
  4. Avoid close contact with people who are sick : If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus.
  5. Boost your immune system : Get plenty of high-quality sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly to keep your immune system strong.
  6. Keep your surroundings clean : Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards. The goal is to prevent the spread of germs.
  7. Stay hydrated : Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep your body hydrated.
  8. Avoid touching your face : Limit touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, as this can spread germs.
  9. Wear a mask : When in crowded public spaces or during the season of the flu outbreak, wear a mask to prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
  10. Stay informed : Stay up-to-date on the latest information about the flu and other illnesses. Follow public health guidelines and recommendations.
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