Understanding Influenza:
More Than Just a Seasonal Nuisance
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by various flu viruses, notably the human influenza A and B viruses. “Flu season” typically spans from October to March in the United States, occasionally extending to May. The flu can lead to severe complications, particularly in high-risk groups such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.
We stock each season’s flu vaccine every fall, ensuring our patients are well-protected against the flu. Getting vaccinated yearly is your best defense against this highly contagious illness.
Recognizing Flu Symptoms: Know the Signs
Flu symptoms often mirror those of a common cold but are generally more intense. They can include sudden illness onset, fever, chills, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in children. Remember, not everyone with the flu will exhibit all these symptoms, and some, like fatigue, might persist longer.
Diagnosing and Treating the Flu at Afterhours
During peak flu seasons, our medical team at Afterhours can diagnose the flu based on symptoms and physical exams. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests are available for confirmation, with results in about 15 minutes. Treatment includes antiviral medications prescribed within two days of symptom onset, helping reduce severity and duration. Remember, antivirals are different from antibiotics, which are ineffective against viruses like the flu.
For at-home relief, we recommend rest, hydration, using humidifiers, gargling salt water, and over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new medications, especially for children.
Recognizing Allergy Symptoms:
Flu Awareness and Prevention at Afterhours Urgent Care Center
Yearly Flu Shots: Your Shield Against the Flu
At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we believe prevention is as important as treatment. That’s why we stock each season’s flu vaccine every fall, ensuring our patients are well-protected against the flu. Getting vaccinated yearly is your best defense against this highly contagious illness.
Preventing the Flu Beyond Vaccination
The flu virus spreads through air droplets from coughs or sneezes and can survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours. Protect yourself with frequent hand-washing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and not touching your face. If you have the flu, prevent spreading it by staying home until at least 24 hours after your fever subsides, practicing good respiratory hygiene, and keeping your hands clean.
Recovery and Flu Complications
Full recovery from the flu can take up to three weeks. Be vigilant for signs of secondary infections like ear or sinus infections, bronchitis, or pneumonia, especially if symptoms worsen after initial improvement.
Differentiating Between Colds, Flu, and COVID-19
It’s crucial to understand the differences between colds, flu, and COVID-19, as they share many symptoms but require different approaches to care. At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we offer guidance and testing to help distinguish these conditions, ensuring you receive the appropriate care.
If you suspect COVID-19, our qualified professionals are here to provide evaluations, testing, and the latest treatments like Paxlovid for eligible patients. We prioritize timely, accurate care to get you back on your feet.
SYMPTOMS | Cold | Flu |
---|---|---|
HEADACHE | Normal | Normal |
TIREDNESS | Somewhat to Moderate | Severe to Moderate |
SYMPTOM ONSET | Over a few days | Appears suddenly |
SNEEZING | Normal | Rarely |
FEVER | Rarely | Generally Present |
CHILLS | Rarely | Normal |
ACHES | Minor, aches and pains | Extreme, aches and pains |
STUFFY NOSE | Normal | Rarely |
COUGHING | Often produces mucus | rarely, produces mucus |
Distinguishing Between Cold and Flu
While both the cold and flu are viral illnesses, they present differently. Our infographic helps you understand these differences, ensuring you seek the right care at the right time.
Visit Afterhours Urgent Care Center for Flu Care and More
Whether it’s getting your annual flu shot or seeking treatment for flu symptoms, Afterhours Urgent Care Center is here to support you. Our extended hours ensure that you have access to quality healthcare, even outside regular clinic times.
Emergencies Services Open Late
Emergencies Don’t Stick to a 9 to 5 Schedule,
Neither Do We!
Emergencies Don’t Stick to a 9 to 5 Schedule,
Neither Do We!
Our Urgent Care Centers Are here for you during the afternoon through the twilight hours. Saving you a trip to the ER when your primary care provider goes home to the their family.
Why Afterhours Care?
At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we embrace those unanticipated moments that fall outside the confines of traditional healthcare schedules. We present ourselves as a beacon of hope during the late nights and early mornings, ensuring that the community’s health needs don’t have to wait until dawn. Recognizing the challenges of crowded emergency rooms, we bring you timely, affordable, and expert medical care whenever you need it.
Every minute counts when you’re in distress. Our Urgent Care extends beyond typical treatments, ensuring that minor injuries and common illnesses are addressed with the utmost precision and care. From sprains to respiratory infections, our skilled team is equipped to manage a wide range of medical conditions that don’t warrant an ER visit, but also can’t wait for a doctor’s appointment. We’re the bridge between primary care and emergency rooms, available when most others aren’t.
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Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Vestibulum pellentesque ligula et augue varius varius. Ut aliquam ultrices blandit. Nullam euismod ligula a risus laoreet, ut iaculis ante dignissim. Aliquam erat volutpat. Ut pharetra id erat in hendrerit. Integer porta scelerisque odio non rutrum. Integer non mattis massa, vitae imperdiet tortor. Vestibulum libero est, viverra nec accumsan non, condimentum non elit.
Vestibulum malesuada nec vel eros. Aenean consequat diam eget erat commodo, et ultricies tellus mattis. Suspendisse potenti. Phasellus in massa quam. Sed aliquet sapien vitae velit gravida, a fermentum ipsum elementum. Mauris egestas hendrerit mi, ac fringilla nulla gravida a. Sed vel quam purus. In posuere felis eget elit accumsan laoreet. Nunc fermentum mollis tortor, et facilisis ante. Vestibulum mattis, augue id
Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Vestibulum pellentesque ligula et augue varius varius. Ut aliquam ultrices blandit. Nullam euismod ligula a risus laoreet, ut iaculis ante dignissim. Aliquam erat volutpat. Ut pharetra id erat in hendrerit. Integer porta scelerisque odio non rutrum. Integer non mattis massa, vitae imperdiet tortor. Vestibulum libero est, viverra nec accumsan non, condimentum non elit.
Vestibulum malesuada nec vel eros. Aenean consequat diam eget erat commodo, et ultricies tellus mattis. Suspendisse potenti. Phasellus in massa quam. Sed aliquet sapien vitae velit gravida, a fermentum ipsum elementum. Mauris egestas hendrerit mi, ac fringilla nulla gravida a. Sed vel quam purus. In posuere felis eget elit accumsan laoreet. Nunc fermentum mollis tortor, et facilisis ante. Vestibulum mattis, augue id
Avoid Long Wait TImes and Cost of ER Services!
Meet Our Clinical Team
Dr. Jane Doe
Clinician: Pineville Location