Tackle the Flu Before It Tackles You | AFC Urgent Care Memphis
Each year, millions of Americans are impacted by the flu. If you’ve had the flu, you know it isn’t pleasant—and you’ll do anything you can to avoid getting it again.
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to arm you with some information about the flu, as well as steps you can take to prevent it.
Get the Facts on the Flu
The flu virus, which is also called “influenza,” is an extremely contagious virus that is caused by a respiratory illness in the throat, nose and lungs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and a person is contagious a day before symptoms appear and can be contagious up until five to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
There are many symptoms of the flu, including:
- Fever over 100.4 F
- Aching muscles
- Chills
- Sweats
- Headache
- Dry, persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
The Flu Shot = Your Best Defense
While the thought of getting a vaccination or shot for any reason is unpleasant to many people, a quick shot is way better than getting the flu. And it’s your best defense against coming down with the flu.
The flu shot is reformulated each year against strains of the flu predicted to be most virulent during that year. So experts recommend that nearly every person age 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot for optimal protection.
Get your vaccination as soon as possible after the year’s vaccine becomes available. It will take up to two weeks following your flu shot for your body to fully build up antibodies against the virus.
Beyond the flu shot, you can also work to prevent the flu with basic hygiene practices, including:
- Covering your cough
- Washing your hands regularly
- Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces
- Not sharing items such as cups or utensils
Do you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of the flu? Visit AFC Urgent Care Memphis today for a medical evaluation and flu test.