Categories: Vaccine

Flu Treatments From a Primary Care Medical Clinic

Influenza, simply called the flu, has symptoms that look like the common cold, but it is a severe viral condition. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory condition that affects the throat, sinuses, and lungs. The influenza A and B viruses are the cause of the seasonal outbreak of flu in the United States every year.

Diagnosing the flu

The doctor can diagnose the flu in 15 minutes with an influenza diagnostics test. During the test, the doctor at the primary care medical center will swab inside the nose and throat to collect a sample. Symptoms of the flu virus include:

Exhaustion and fatigue
Fever
Chills
Sore throat
Stuffy or runny nose
Body aches and pain
Sudden illness
Vomiting or diarrhea in children

Most people make a full recovery with no complications. However, pneumonia and bronchitis may occur in some people. Pneumonia is the cause of most cases of death in people who contracted the flu.

Flu treatments

Treatment for flu should start within two days after the symptoms begin. Therefore, patients who are experiencing flu symptoms should visit a primary care medical clinic as soon as possible. After they are diagnosed with the flu, the patient will get an antiviral treatment through a prescription. The prescription antiviral drugs will not cure the flu but will alleviate the symptoms and help patients recover faster.

Since flu is a viral infection, it is impossible to use antibiotics for treatment. If treatment begins early enough, though, the antiviral drug will assist the body’s immune system in fighting the infection. Even if the patient misses the two-day window to commence treatment or if they belong to the group of people who are at high risk of developing complications, they can still take the antiviral prescription to lessen symptoms and boost recovery.

The flu shot can make someone immune to a flu virus, but the efficiency of the vaccine for different strains varies from year to year. The greatest risk factor for contracting the flu is not getting a yearly flu shot. The most prevalent influenza strains are used to create a different flu vaccine every year, which assists the immune system in preparing antibodies to fend off the viruses.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone above six months old, especially those who are at a high risk of developing complications from flu symptoms. Patients can visit the primary care center during regular business hours to get a flu shot.

Recovery from flu

Those who are down with the flu can get respite by taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, drinking warm, hydrating liquids, and resting. Sleep strengthens the immune system to fight off infections. Most people typically recover from the flu within three to 10 days, but they may still be contagious even if they are asymptomatic. It is advisable to remain at home until after the fever subsides, to prevent the spread of the virus.

When to visit the doctor after noticing signs of influenza (flu)

Patients who suspect that they have the flu should visit the doctor within 48 hours of experiencing the symptoms. Taking flu meds during this period is the most effective choice. Patients need to contact the doctor if they continue to feel poorly after receiving treatment for the flu. If the symptoms return after a period of wellness, it is advisable to visit the doctor as soon as possible. The flu might have caused a secondary illness like a sinus infection.

How to prevent the flu

Getting the flu shot will keep an individual safe against the virus for the rest of the season. The vaccine might take the form of an injection or a nasal spray. Every year in the autumn, you must get the vaccination to keep yourself safe. Even if you eventually catch the flu, the vaccination will likely make the illness less severe. Pregnant people may also get the immunization without fear. It is impossible to get the flu from a "flu injection."

Persons in close contact with people who have the flu may also be given antivirals (Relenza and Tamiflu) as a preventative measure. When it comes to preventing the transmission of flu, there are several options to consider:

Good hand hygiene is important. Using soap and water, people should thoroughly clean their hands. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if there is not any soap and water around
Stay away from other people when experiencing flu symptoms to prevent transmission
Avoid people who have the flu
Maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and obtain adequate sleep
Boost the immune system by taking multivitamin and vitamin D pills