The flu often gets worse this time of year, and rates are already higher than they were last year. With fewer people wearing masks and little social distancing, you’ll likely need to be more intentional in preventing the flu this year.

Our AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah team highlights some key facts you need to know about the flu below, so keep reading!

What Is the Flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs, and it can, at times, lead to serious illness.

Each year, flu rates rise between the months of October and Feburary, but thankfully, the flu vaccine works to lower both your chances of getting sick and of having serious health complications due to the virus. We’ve listed some common symptoms of the flu below.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Aches and pains throughout the body
• Headaches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• An extreme feeling of fatigue
• A persistent and worsening cough
• Stuffy or runny nose

What Should I Do If I Get a Fever?

There are things you can do at home to reduce your fever! In fact, a fever of over 100ºF is very common among those who have tested positive for the flu.

In addition to OTC fever and pain reducers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, these treatments can help you feel better!

Ways to Reduce Flu Symptoms

• Stay home and get plenty of rest. Staying home will keep you from spreading the virus to anyone else, and resting will allow your body sufficient time to recuperate.
• Drink lots of fluids. Water is the best choice, but consuming other liquids will help, too! Things like broth-based soup and tea will help to flush out thick mucus into a thin liquid you can cough up and spit out.
• Ask your doctor about antiviral medicines. Tamiflu is perhaps the best-known form of this type of medication that is used to combat the flu. It only works, though, if it is taken within at least two days of the start of flu symptoms. Antivirals don’t cure the flu; they can sometimes shorten its duration.

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah is here to help! Don’t hesitate to give us a call or stop by for a visit today.