Is it a cold or the flu? We’ve all asked ourselves at least once. With the symptoms being so similar, it can be tricky to identify whether or not it’s a common head cold or something more severe such as the flu. Well worry not, Swift is here to debunk all things flu and help educate our patients on the symptoms, treatments, and vaccinations for the flu. 

The flu

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:

• Young children under age 2
• Adults older than age 65
• Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season
• People with weakened immune systems
• American Indians or Alaska Natives
• People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes
• People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

Symptoms:

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Colds usually develop slowly. But the flu tends to come on suddenly. And while a cold can be miserable, you usually feel much worse with the flu. Flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches 
• Cough
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Headaches 
• Fatigue

Treatment:

Most people with the flu get better on their own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. The flu is treated primarily with rest and fluid to let the body fight the infection on its own. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers may help with symptoms. If you have emergency symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away.
For adults, emergency symptoms can include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Ongoing dizziness
• Seizures
• Worsening of existing medical conditions
• Severe weakness or muscle pain

Emergency symptoms in children can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds — depending on skin color
• Chest pain
• Dehydration
• Severe muscle pain
• Seizures
• Worsening of existing medical conditions

Prevention

The best way to prevent the flu is by receiving a flu vaccine annually. Not only will this help prevent it, but vaccination can also limit complications. New versions of the vaccines are developed twice a year, since the flu rapidly changes. While their effectiveness varies from year to year, most provide modest to high protection against influenza.

However, The influenza vaccine isn’t 100% effective, so it’s also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:

• Wash your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective way to prevent many common infections. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if soap and water aren’t available.
• Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
• Clean surfaces. Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent spread of infection from touching a surface with the virus on it and then your face.
• Avoid crowds. The flu spreads easily wherever people gather — in child care centers, schools, office buildings, auditoriums and public transportation. By avoiding crowds during peak flu season, you reduce your chances of infection.

Also avoid anyone who is sick. And if you’re sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone so that you lessen your chance of infection.

Ready to protect against the flu?

This year’s seasonal flu shot provides protection against four influenza viruses expected to be the most common during this flu season. The vaccine is available as an injection and as a nasal spray. There will also be a high-dose flu vaccine for adults age 65 and older. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months or older. If you haven’t received your annual flu shot, visit your nearest Swift Urgent Care location for a swift pinch and a year’s worth of protection!