Flu
Is the Flu an Emergency?
Not usually. Influenza, the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system. It spreads through fluids produced when someone talks, coughs, or sneezes.
The CDC recommends that children and teenagers under the age of 18 years who have the flu or suspected flu should not be given aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid) or any other salicylate products like Pepto Bismol™, due to the risk of developing a rare, serious complication called Reye’s Syndrome.
Although it resembles the common cold, the flu is caused by different viruses and can result in severe symptoms that appear suddenly and last for one or two weeks.
While it is not typically an emergency, untreated flu symptoms can result in pneumonia and inflammation of the brain or heart, so it is wise to seek treatment from your doctor or an urgent care facility if you have more than a mild case or you are in a high-risk group. Our UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Cares, conveniently located in Eusits-Mt.Dora and Clermont, can help.
If your symptoms are mild, stay home. Remain at home until 24 hours have elapsed without fever or fever-reducing medication. If you are worried about your symptoms, don’t hesitate to call your healthcare provider.
What Are the Symptoms of Flu?
- Fever or feeling feverish, experiencing chills –not everyone will experience a fever with influenza.
- Coughing, dry or wheezing; chest discomfort
- Sore throat
- Stuffy nose or nasal congestion, or a runny nose
- Muscle aches, especially in the back and legs
- Fatigue or feeling tired all over
- Headaches
Nausea and vomiting are common in children with the flu, less so in adults.
The following individuals are at higher risk of complications from flu:
- Infants and young children through age 5
- Adults over age 65
- People with low immunity (immunosuppressed)
- Pregnant women
- People who are obese or have a BMI of 40 or higher
- People with chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, asthma, and other long-term illnesses.
At UF Health Central Emergency & Urgent Care…
We are experts at effective flu treatment and care. We help you recover as soon as possible because our urgent care facilities are staffed with highly experienced physicians 24-hours a day. We are here to identify, treat, and reduce the severity of your flu symptoms.
Our treatment may include a prescription for antiviral medications if symptoms have been present less than 48 hours. Antivirals may reduce the severity of your symptoms and prevent complications.
While you are sick, drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration, so you continue to urinate normally. Rest until your fever goes down, and avoid exposure to dust, fumes, and tobacco smoke.
What Causes the Flu?
Influenza virus is transmitted through the fluid droplets released into the air when an infected individual talks, coughs, or sneezes. You can inhale the virus directly or pick it up from objects such as keyboards, telephones, and doorknobs, or by shaking hands with someone who has the flu.
The virus can begin spreading a day before symptoms appear in an infected person, and continue to spread up to a weak after infection.
We Recommend Annual Flu Shots
Annual flu vaccination minimizes the risk of being infected with the influenza virus. Flu viruses constantly change their structure and make you susceptible throughout your life. Even if you have had the flu before and your body developed antibodies to fight it, when you are infected with a different flu virus, your body will not recognize it, and the antibodies will not fight the infection.
Even if the flu shot is not 100% effective, it may reduce the severity and duration of the illness.
Our Emergency & Urgent Care Centers are open 24/7 to treat the flu.
