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The flu can strike patients of any age, but those with weaker immune systems -- often young children and the elderly -- can be especially susceptible. Dr. Jon and the health care team at Dr. Jon’s Urgent Care Center in Martinsville, Virginia knows that flu symptoms make life miserable, so they're ready to provide prompt help. When flu symptoms start, don't hesitate to make an appointment or come in for urgent care at any time.
The common cold and the flu can be very similar in terms of symptoms, at least early on. However, they are completely different illnesses. Both the common cold and the flu develop due to viruses, but the flu virus is more severe.
In a common cold, the virus impacts only the nose and the throat. In the flu, the virus affects the whole respiratory system, including the nose, the throat, the lungs, and the breathing airway. In most cases, flu symptoms are more severe than cold symptoms. It can be difficult to determine whether it's a common cold or the flu based on symptoms alone, so it's best to come in to Dr. Jon’s Urgent Care Center for proper diagnosis and help.
The most common symptoms of the flu include:
A flu diagnosis can be made easily with the help of a quick flu test. Flu tests can be administered on site at Dr. Jon’s Urgent Care Center, which allows you to get the results right away.
The flu can be treated in several ways. Some cases of flu require only hydration and rest, but others may require antiviral medication. Antiviral drugs, which most often come in pill form to be taken orally, can help lessen the amount of time that you're ill. This type of medication may also stop the flu from progressing into a more serious illness such as pneumonia. While you're recovering from the flu, it's best to avoid contact with others to avoid spreading the illness.
Yes, flu can usually be prevented with a flu shot. Most patients, from very young children to geriatric patients, should have flu shots yearly for flu prevention. While a flu shot can't guarantee that you'll never develop the flu, it's by far the best manner of prevention available in the medical world today. The team at Dr. Jon’s Urgent Care Center are happy to help you prevent the flu with quick and easy flu vaccinations.
