Influenza is all around us this season. With outbreaks happening in cities and populations across the country, it is almost guaranteed that you know someone who has fallen ill with influenza this season.

If you start to get sick yet this year, just know that you are not alone! Your AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team can help you with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Check out our latest blog explaining how to treat influenza below.

What Causes Influenza?

Influenza (or the flu) is an infection caused by the influenza virus. There are many strains of influenza that are circulating at any given time, so your case of the flu could be caused by a strain you haven’t had yet. The flu virus is very contagious and is spread from person to person through either physical contact like a sneeze or a cough or through infected surfaces.

If you encounter influenza, you can expect to experience symptoms of illness within one to four days after the exposure. It may start out with a minor sore throat or cough and progress quickly from there. One classic sign of a flu infection is the quick appearance of symptoms. Infected individuals tend to feel fine one minute but miserable the next.

5 Signs You Have the Flu

• Fever
• Runny nose/congestion
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle or body aches

How Can I Feel Better Faster?

While there are antiviral drugs that can be prescribed to help lessen influenza symptoms, they tend to work the best when started at the onset of your symptoms. Since influenza is a viral illness, symptom management is usually the most reliable course of treatment.

While you wait for your body to overcome your flu infection, rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. Taking care of your body is crucial at this time to aid in your recovery! Get quality sleep, eat when you feel up to it and take it easy. You can expect your symptoms to improve in about a week or so, though a cough may linger longer.

Flu-Friendly Foods to Eat

• Broth, whether by itself or in a soup
• Yogurt
• Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges or broccoli
• Oatmeal

If you are wondering if your recent illness is the flu, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road for a rapid test.