Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. Do you know how to tell if what you have is a cold or the flu? Here, Irina Pratt, FNP-BC, an internal medicine nurse practitioner with Duke Health Primary Care Moorseville, explains common flu symptoms, where to go for help, and what to do to avoid catching or spreading the flu.
Flu-Like Symptoms
The flu usually comes on suddenly with some or all of these symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea
If you don’t want the flu this season, follow these tips.
Get the Flu Vaccine
According to the CDC, everyone six months of age and older should get the flu vaccine as soon as the current season’s vaccines are available.
Many places offer the vaccine at a minimal cost. You can visit your local pharmacy, clinic or primary care doctor’s office, or check with your employer to see if they offer the vaccine on-site.
Avoid Sick People
If you can, stay away from people who are ill. If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading your germs to others.
Wash Your Hands
Hand hygiene plays an important role in preventing the spread of colds and flu. Be sure to wash your hands frequently, especially before you eat.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it’s sometimes hard to know what to do next. Here’s what our experts recommend.
When to Go to Primary Care
“Patients experiencing flu symptoms should contact their health care provider,” said Pratt. “Antiviral therapy has the greatest benefit when taken within 24 to 30 hours of symptom onset. Adults over 65, children younger than one, pregnant women and individuals with asthma, heart disease, active malignancy, chronic liver disease, diabetes or HIV, should consult their primary care provider as soon as possible, as they have a higher risk for complications from the flu.”
When to Go to Urgent Care
You should seek medical attention at urgent care if you have typical flu-like symptoms that could also include lightheadedness, decreased urination, muscle stiffness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
“Even if you take fever-reducing medicine, you could still have complications that would benefit from seeing a doctor right away,” said Pratt. “If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor before things get worse and you could potentially spread your illness.”
If you can’t wait until your primary care provider’s office opens for treatment, Duke Urgent Care locations are open 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week, and you can even reserve a time.
When to Go to the ER
“Most of the time, flu-like illnesses can effectively be managed in your doctor’s office or urgent care,” said Pratt. “It is best to go to the emergency room if you are over 70 and suffering fromshortness of breath, having chest pain, have confusion, can’t stay hydrated, or have severe underlying illnesses like COPD, diabetes, or heart disease.”
No matter where you go for medical care, tell staff about your symptoms when you arrive so they can give you a mask. This helps prevent the illness from spreading to other patients nearby.
