Getting Through Flu Season: Common Questions Answered
February 14, 2018The flu is a viral illness that should be taken seriously every year, but the 2018 flu season has been of particular concern.
The New York State Department of Health has officially categorized influenza activity in New York State as geographically widespread, meaning that an increased or sustained number of lab-confirmed influenza cases have been reported in more than half of the State’s counties. In fact, by January 27 New York had already logged eight consecutive weeks of widespread flu activity, and as we approach what is usually the end of flu season, experts are forecasting that this increased incidence of influenza may extend well into April and even May.
Should I still get the flu shot if I haven’t yet?
Due to the severity of this flu season, the Centers for Disease Control recommend that people who haven’t already gotten a flu shot this year, still do so. It takes two weeks for a flu vaccine to become fully effective in your body once it is administered, so with two months of flu season still ahead of us, a flu shot now can still provide you with up to six weeks of protection.
If I already had the flu, can I get it again?
If you are among the scores of people to have unfortunately experienced one of this year’s nasty flu strains, it is unlikely you will get sick again. Although multiple flu strains are out there, it is highly improbable for a second, unique strain to find its way to you. And, since your immune system has already beaten the flu strain once – and learned how to defend against it – there is little to no chance that you will get it again.
If you have avoided the flu, remain vigilant for these telltale signs:
- feeling feverish
- The chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
You may also experience nausea and related gastrointestinal issues, which contrary to popular belief are not always hallmarks of the flu. Many times, people mistake the onset of the flu for a common cold, so I suggest basing self-diagnosis on the old maxim, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck.”
What should I do if I think I have the flu?
Whether you have a couple of these symptoms or all of them, assume it is the flu and visit your healthcare provider or come see us at Garnet Health Doctors Urgent Care or Catskill Regional Medical Group Urgent Care. No appointment needed, just walk-in.
Lab tests are available to identify the flu, but you will more likely be assessed and given what is called a “clinical diagnosis” of influenza. When flu is diagnosed within the first couple of days, medications are available that can curtail symptoms and may even shorten the duration of the illness.
The medication is especially helpful for those at a higher risk of developing potentially life-threatening complications from the flu, such as people with chronic medical conditions like asthma or heart disease, the elderly and infants. For people in generally good health, managing symptoms with over-the-counter remedies, rest and ample hydration is about the best you can do to ride out the life of the infection – usually five to seven days.
How can I avoid the flu?
Avoid infection by watching out for your hands. Wash them often and thoroughly, and keep them away from your face as much as possible. To help avoid spreading the flu, stay home from work if you’re sick and keep sick children out of school. Whether you’re caring for yourself or someone else with the flu, wipe down common surfaces regularly, wash shared utensils and cups and keep tissues close to cover coughs and sneezes.
Finally, pay special attention to a cough that lingers beyond the normal lifespan of the flu, as influenza can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. If a cough doesn’t seem to be getting any better, and especially if it seems to be getting worse, have it checked out by a medical professional.
Urgent Care in Middletown, NY
Our Urgent Care center is set up to assist our patients with various injuries or illnesses that, though not life-threatening, require immediate professional medical attention. No appointment needed, just “walk in”!
Open Daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Outpatient Building
707 East Main Street
Middletown, NY 10940
845-333-7271
We also have an Urgent Care location in Monticello, NY.
All content presented are provided for informational and educational purposes only, and are not intended to approximate or replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read within the website content. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.