Influenza, also known simply as “The Flu”, can be much more serious than many people realize which is why our Lawrenceville doctors are so dedicated to preventing the illness and treating those patients who do contract it. Influenza can be extremely serious, and sometimes is deadly. It is a respiratory infection that is caused by a number of different viruses that pass through the air and enter the body through the nose or mouth. Those who are at the greatest risk for serious complications and even death from the flu are the elderly, newborn infants and people of every age with certain chronic illnesses such as those that compromise the immune system.
You may have heard people you know who have intestinal distress and upset stomachs say that they think they have the flu, but this is incorrect. Remember that Influenza, or “The Flu” is a serious respiratory illness. Symptoms of the flu can often come on suddenly, and while at first they may be similar to symptoms of a cold, they are oftentimes much worse.
Some of the common symptoms of Influenza, or The Flu, may include:
- Low-grade or High Fever
- Chills, Sometimes with Episodes of Profuse Sweating
- Sore Throat
- Nasal Congestion
- Cough
- Body and Muscle aches
- Headache
If you are unsure whether you have a cold or the flu, remember that the flu almost never causes an upset stomach, and a cold rarely causes a fever. Oftentimes patients report aches and muscle soreness throughout their entire body with the flu. Although some colds can last for a few weeks, normally Influenza lasts this long and involves the entire body. With either condition, it is important that you drink plenty of fluids to make sure you remain hydrated. When dehydration occurs, the body has a much more difficult time recovering from any illnesses, especially the common cold and the Flu. If you are unable to hold down fluids, you may need IV fluids to assist your body with re-hydration.
Our Lawrenceville clinic has the yearly flu vaccine available before the beginning of flu season for our patients. It is important to understand that the flu vaccine does not prevent you from contracting the flu entirely; however, if you do contract the flu, your symptoms will be drastically milder and much shorter in duration.
Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best way to keep from contracting the illness, so be sure to call Rodriguez MD Medical Practice to schedule your appointment before flu season falls upon us! Most people are excellent candidates to receive this Influenza vaccine, and if you have questions or concerns regarding your options, we welcome you to talk freely with our Lawrenceville doctors.
For more information about colds and Influenza, vaccinations for the Flu, to schedule an appointment or to learn more about your Lawrenceville area doctors at Rodriguez MD Medical Practice, please call our office or visit the “Contact Us” page here on the website.