Down with the flu? Seek treatment now at an urgent care clinic
When people get affected by the flu, most of them do not give it much thought assuming it to be the common cold. This is not surprising since the symptoms of flu and the common cold are almost similar in majority of affected people. However, it is important to get a proper diagnosis since the so-called common cold can easily turn out to be a case of influenza or the flu.
Now influenza is not something to be taken lightly. It is an aggressive viral illness that is highly contagious and affects the respiratory system including the lungs and sinuses. The influenza viruses classified into A and B are largely behind the outbreak of flu cases that annually occur in the US.
Symptoms and diagnosis of the flu
The flu is accompanied by symptoms that are similar to the common cold but more severe. Some of these symptoms include:
• Sudden worsening of the illness
• High body temperature
• Body pain
• Feeling fatigued and exhausted
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Chills
• Diarrhea or vomiting
Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting that are more commonly seen in children can quickly dehydrate the body and lead to multiple health issues. For this reason it is important to visit Alexandria immediate care clinic and get tested for the flu.
The diagnosing procedure takes just a few minutes. A health professional at the DC immediate and primary care clinic will need a swab from the back of the throat or from within the nose. This swab will then be sent in for testing.
Treating the flu
Since influenza can quickly deteriorate one’s health condition, treatment must ideally begin immediately after the symptoms surface. Delaying the testing or treatment can be risky and lead to serious health complications. This is especially true in the case of children. So if you or a dear one experiences the above mentioned symptoms, do not hesitate to visit your nearest Alexandria immediate care clinic at the earliest.
If your flu test comes back positive, you will be prescribed antiviral medications. These medicines have been designed to weaken the severity of symptoms and help patients manage symptoms without being too tired or dehydrated. It will also accelerate the recovery process and aid patients in resuming normal activities at the earliest.
In case you have waited for a few days before finally visiting the urgent care clinic, you still need to start on anti-vital treatment. This is especially applicable if you have comorbidities and are at a higher risk of developing health complications. The treatment will ensure that the illness and the symptoms stay under control.
Doctors at Alexandria immediate care clinic are equipped with the necessary experience and qualifications to successfully treat flu symptoms in people across all ages. If you have tested positive for the flu virus, the doctors will immediately activate the treatment plan and coordinate with other doctors and nursing staff to ensure that you make a complete recovery. Best of all, since these medical facilities remain open beyond working hours of regular clinics, you can go in and get tested as soon as you experience symptoms.
