Is December Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?

According to the CDC, most seasonal flu cases in the United States occur between December and February. While experts recommend patients get their flu vaccine earlier in the season, learn the benefits of receiving your shot even during the height of flu season.

Protecting Your Family Through the Season

The ideal time to receive your flu shot is by the end of October so that the vaccine has time to work through your system before flu season peaks. However, flu season typically lasts until mid to late March, which means you can still protect yourself and your family through the spring if you get your flu shot now.

Why It’s Even More Important to Get Your Shot This Year

Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever — even if you’re receiving your shot in December. With COVID-19 resurging in Texas, many communities will be hit with the seasonal flu and coronavirus at once. Receiving your flu shot helps reduce your risks of becoming sick due to the flu and can help differentiate your flu-like symptoms.

Who Should Get a Shot?

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of the flu, and annual flu-related deaths range from 3,000 to 49,000 people in the United States.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Additionally, some individuals who are at higher risk for severe flu symptoms include:

• Individuals with chronic conditions, like asthma and diabetes.
• Individuals with heart disease.
• Adults over the age of 65.
• Pregnant women.
• Individuals who have HIV or AIDS.

Patients in these risk groups need to receive their flu shots and maintain proper social distancing guidelines to reduce their chances of contracting a respiratory virus.

Flu Shots in Arlington

Whether it’s December or February, it’s not too late to get your flu shot. Your influenza vaccine is one of the top ways to protect your health this winter amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This season, receive your shot for a $20 cash payment or free with insurance at Urgentology Care. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.

Ways to Have a Healthy Winter

Though we have a milder winter than most other states, winter in Texas can have plenty of effects on our health. From colder weather and less sunlight to flu season (and this year, COVID-19 still lingering), taking care of yourself is more important now than ever.

Use these tips to help your family have a healthier winter:

Beat the Winter Blues

It’s no secret that once we trade the warm summer sun for gloomier colder days, many people tend to feel down. Additionally, many people experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of seasonal depression during the winter.

With stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines in place, many more people may feel these harsh effects during the winter months. Those who experience SAD may find themselves restless, lethargic, and unmotivated. Finding ways to improve your spirits is not only essential for your mental health, but for your physical health as well.

Here are a few ways to help elevate your mood and practice self-care:

• Winterize your exercise by walking or doing yoga indoors.
• Find a hobby, such as reading or painting.

Include Extra Vitamins in Your Diet

Our production of vitamin D tends to drop during winter, as we don’t spend as much time outdoors. Try adding more vitamin D, vitamin C, and vitamin A to your diet to support a healthy immune system and give your body the nutrients it needs.

Some foods to add to your shopping list may include:

• Clementines
• Sweet potatoes
• Bananas
• Winter squash
• Fatty fish such as tuna
• Egg yolks

Drinking Plenty of Water

While you’re on the page of eating a healthy diet, make sure that you’re also drinking enough water. Drinking enough water helps support proper digestion, brain function, weight loss, and can also keep migraines at bay. The general rule of thumb is that each person should drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water daily.

Take Care of Your Skin

Colder air and low humidity levels can lead to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Especially for those with allergies or eczema, time spent indoors this winter can wreak havoc on your skin. If you’re suffering from an eczema flare-up, stop into our clinic for help.

To keep your skin healthy, be sure to drink plenty of water, limit how long you spend in the shower, and use a moisturizer daily. You may want to also consider purchasing a humidifier to add more moisture to the air inside your home. This can not only help your skin but can help alleviate your indoor allergies as well!

Keep the Germs Away

While flu season typically takes a toll on our community between October and March, this year we run the risk of also contracting COVID-19 during the same period. That’s why protecting your family is even more important this season.

Reducing Your Risks

Your risk of catching the flu increases in crowded cities or communities, and this increases the risk of spreading the disease to the people closest to you.

When possible, it’s best to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others when out in public. Also, follow your county’s guidelines on mask-wearing procedures and travel alerts. There are a number of other ways you can keep your family safe and stop the spread of the flu or any other virus, including COVID-19:

• Washing your hands.
• Covering your sneezes and coughs.
• Cleaning common surfaces frequently.
• Avoiding touching your face.

Getting Your Flu Vaccine

Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that your first defense against the influenza virus is receiving your annual vaccine as early as possible.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Flu shots are especially important for young children, pregnant women, and adults age 65 and older.

The earlier you get your vaccination before flu season starts, the better. Even if you’ve already put it off for several weeks or months, you can benefit from getting the flu shot as late as February. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.

Caring For Your Family this Flu Season

At Urgentology Care, we dedicate ourselves to offering the best medical care for you and your entire family. Stop in today for your flu shot to reduce your risks of becoming sick this winter. Additionally, contact us for more information about our COVID-19 testing and treatment options.

How to Protect Yourself From the Flu This Fall

The influenza virus is a very contagious and serious disease that can lead patients to become hospitalized and, at times, can lead to death. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important now than ever to do everything you possibly can to reduce your risks of contracting the flu or any other virus and to help stop the spread.

Get Your Seasonal Flu Shot Early

Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that your first defense against the influenza virus is receiving your annual vaccine as early as possible.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Flu shots are especially important for young children, pregnant women, and adults age 65 and older.

The earlier you get your vaccination before flu season starts, the better. Of course, if you’ve put it off for several weeks or months, you can still benefit from having it even if it’s already February. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.

Take Everyday Actions to Stop the Spread

There are a number of ways you can keep your family safe and stop the spread of the flu or any other virus, including:

• Washing your hands
• Covering your sneezes and coughs
• Cleaning common surfaces frequently
• Avoiding touching your face

Use Anti-Viral Medications

If you do contract the flu, anti-viral medications can be used to control your condition by making your symptoms milder. However, it is important to note that these medications are not designed to treat or prevent COVID-19.

Maintain Physical Distance

Your risk for catching the flu increases in crowded cities or communities, and this increases the risk of spreading the disease to the people closest to you.

When possible, it’s best to keep at least 6 feet of distance between you and others when out in public. Also, follow your county’s guidelines on mask-wearing procedures and travel alerts.

At Urgentology Care, we provide flu shots in Arlington for adults and children by appointment. Call (817) 799-7273 or contact us online.

Why Do My Allergies Get Worse in the Fall?

As the weather changes, blooming plants begin to prepare for winter, but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t opportunities for environmental and indoor allergens to cause an uncomfortable allergic reaction. If you suffer from autumn allergies, keep reading to learn how to manage your symptoms.

Common Fall Allergy Triggers

While it may seem that your allergies should cease when spring and summer end, this isn’t always the case. The most common fall allergens we encounter here in Texas include:

• Ragweed (especially from August to September)
• Mold (especially from decaying leaves and plants)
• Mildew
• Pollen

Additionally, you will still come in contact with the same indoor allergens that spread throughout your home year-round — including dust and pet dander. However, you may experience worse symptoms during autumn due to the fact that cooler air still harbors pollen outdoors, and more time spent inside results in more indoor particles that become airborne within your home.

Understanding Your Allergy Symptoms

The first step in improving your autumn allergies is being able to recognize your symptoms and seek treatment. Common symptoms of allergies include:

• Sinus issues
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Asthma flares
• Rashes/hives

Breathing Easier This Fall With Urgentology Care

In order to breathe easier this season, you’ll want to consider the following options for managing your fall allergies:

• Monitoring your indoor air humidity levels
• Changing out your HVAC’s air filters
• Avoid going outdoors during high pollen times
• Change your clothes and wash up after being outdoors
• Clean your home frequently
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from irritants
• Speak to your doctor about daily allergy medications and other treatments

If you’re ready to say goodbye to symptoms, our allergy specialists at Urgentology Care can provide comprehensive treatment options, including allergy testing through shots and sublingual drops.

Contact our team today for a consultation. (817) 799-7273

Reasons to Choose Urgentology Care for Your Medical Care

When you or your children aren’t feeling well, finding healthcare that is reliable, convenient, and thorough shouldn’t be a struggle. At Urgentology Care, we’re proud to offer stress-free medical care for patients in our Arlington community who face a wide range of conditions.

Keep reading to learn how our clinic can care for your entire family.

Treating Every Condition

Our compassionate staff is available 24/7 to treat a wide range of conditions through telemedicine appointments, walk-ins, or scheduled appointments in our clinic. Our doctors can treat the following conditions:

• Abscesses
• Bites, Burns & Stings
• Blood Pressure
• Bronchitis
• Bruises & Scrapes
• Cold & Flu
• Ear Infections
• Food Poisoning
• Foreign Body Removal
• Joint Pain
• Mononucleosis (Mono)
• Orthopedic Urgent Care
• Puncture Wounds
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
• Sinusitis
• Strep Throat
• Stomach Flu
• Stomach Pain
• Swollen Glands
• Tonsillitis
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
• Yeast Infections
• Migraines

Additionally, our most common treatment areas include:

Allergies

Patients with moderate to severe allergies can experience a flare-up in their symptoms at any time — and when they do, our staff is here to help. Urgentology Care is proud to announce its latest partnership with Cure Allergy Clinic (CAC), another trusted resource for integrated care for patients suffering from short-term or chronic allergy and asthma conditions. Through this service, you can receive a diagnosis for your allergies and asthma, and receive the appropriate treatment.

Pediatric Care

As a parent, there are few things that are more overwhelming than trying to help your child when they aren’t feeling well. Oftentimes, we want to get our children treated immediately and back on the road to recovery as soon as possible. However, waiting for an appointment with their primary pediatrician can slow this process down significantly.

At Urgentology Care, our specialists are experienced in many common pediatric conditions and can offer quick and reliable care for your child. Common reasons that you may want to bring your child to our urgent care clinic include:

• Cuts, burns, bug bites, and wounds
• Nosebleeds
• Ear infections
• Sore throat
• Strep throat, the stomach flu, the common cold, the flu, and bronchitis
• Asthma and allergy attacks
• Pink eye
• Diarrhea and nausea
• Sport and school physicals

Also, by keeping your child’s shots up to date, you help prevent the spread of disease to yourself, the general public, and children who are unable to have immunizations. Most routine immunizations are covered by health insurance, as well, including state funds like Medicaid. Our specialists can administer the recommended immunizations for you and/or your child.

Diverse Care and Service Options

In our effort to provide convenience and efficiency during your visit, we also offer our own in-house lab that covers most common tests. Our streamlined process allows us to quickly check you in, perform digital x-rays, e-prescriptions, and more. To offer the best service for each of our patients, we offer the following treatment options:

Annual, School and Sport Physicals

Whether required by your insurance company or mandated by your child’s school district, our staff is available for routine exams for your entire family.

Monitoring your health yearly can help detect changes in your health condition early and provide treatment. Your age and general health play heavily into the need for a physical, and the following individuals are advised to always see their doctor yearly:

• Patients who smoke.
• Women who are sexually active.
• Women who are at least 40 and have not had a mammogram.
• Patients over 50 years of age.
• Children who are going to school or participate in a sport.
• Those wishing to apply for a commercial driving license with the DOT.
• Patients with pre-existing conditions or a family history of a health condition.
• Patients who are prescribed medication to treat their medical condition.
• Patients who are overweight.

If you are under 30 years old and live a healthy lifestyle, you can get by without seeing your doctor for an annual checkup. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need a physical ever again — you should still have a physical every two to three years.

Telemedicine Options

A busy schedule or distance between a patient and their doctor can put a limit on access to the care they need. However, our telemedicine options help expand your access from the comfort of your own home. Using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, this health care option can be convenient for patients who do not have the time or ability to visit their doctor in person.

Conditions or symptoms that are commonly treated through a telemedicine visit include:

• Sinus or allergy issues
• Asthma
• Minor colds and the flu
• Sore throat & strep throat
• Skin irritations, rashes, and insect bites
• Urinary issues, including UTIs
• GI concerns, including constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea
• Pink eye and other infections
• Birth control

Conditions that are NOT appropriate for a telemedicine visit include:

• Life-threatening injury to life or limb – please call 911 for immediate assistance.
• Dizziness and vertigo
• Earaches
• Lacerations
• Fainting
• Poisoning
• Chest pain
• Migraines
• Abscesses
• Fractures & sprains
• Excessive nausea, dehydration, vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• STDs and STIs

For any of these conditions, we recommend consulting with your doctor or going to an urgent care for the best treatment options.

Testing

Having access to the best in medical screening and testing is important for each of our patients. That’s why our clinic has a full range of testing options available, including:

• COVID-19 testing
• Blood testing
• STD screening
• Pregnancy testing
• Urinalysis
• Pap smears
• Digital x-rays
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) heart monitoring

Book an Appointment at Urgentology Care in Arlington, TX

Our team at Urgentology Care will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for your illness. Stop in today for a walk-in appointment, or call to make an appointment. (817) 799-7273

The Importance of Yearly Physicals

Most patients tend to steer clear of seeing a doctor unless it’s absolutely needed. So, when the thought of an annual physical comes to mind, most patients put it off. However, there are some instances when seeing your doctor annually for a checkup can be beneficial to your health.

When Should I Get a Physical?

Not every person needs to have an annual physical exam, but in many cases, monitoring your health yearly can help detect changes in your health condition early and provide treatment. Your age and general health play heavily into the need for a physical, and the following individuals are advised to always see their doctor yearly:

• Patients who smoke.
• Women who are sexually active.
• Women who are at least 40 and have not had a mammogram.
• Patients over 50 years of age.
• Children who are going to school or participate in a sport.
• Those wishing to apply for a commercial driving license with the DOT.
• Patients with preexisting conditions or a family history of a health condition.
• Patients who are prescribed medication to treat their medical condition.
• Patients who are overweight.

In the absence of these health factors, or if you are under 30 years old and live a healthy lifestyle, you can get by without seeing your doctor for an annual checkup. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need a physical ever again — you should still have a physical every two to three years.

Also, remember that even if you’re not seeing a doctor for a physical exam each year, you should still live a healthy lifestyle and stay up to date on your routine screenings and vaccinations.

Annual Physicals in Arlington, TX

At Urgentology Care, we offer annual physical services, including back to school and sports physicals, as well as the Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals. Contact our staff today to make an appointment: (817) 799-7273

Benefits of Taking Your Child to an Urgent Care Facility

Few things are more overwhelming than trying to help your child when they aren’t feeling well. Often, we want to get our children treated immediately and back on the road to recovery as soon as possible. However, waiting for an appointment with your primary pediatrician can slow this process down.

Here are some reasons why taking your child to an urgent care facility may be a viable treatment option for your little one.

Pediatric Services Offered at Urgentology Care

While your pediatrician may hold standard business hours, urgent care facilities tend to be more flexible. Typically, an urgent care facility is open 24/7, and if not, they are generally open longer than a standard doctor’s office. Also, urgent care facilities are fully equipped to handle many of the common illnesses children may have.

Here are some common ailments that you may bring your child to an urgent care to have looked at:

• Cuts, burns, bug bites, and wounds
• Nosebleeds
• Ear infections
• Sore throat
• Strep throat, the stomach flu, the common cold, the flu, and bronchitis
• Asthma and allergy attacks
• Pink eye
• Diarrhea and nausea
• Sport and school physicals

Vaccinating Your Child

In addition to treating your child for various conditions they may currently have, our staff can also protect them from getting sick by administering vaccinations. By keeping your child’s shots up to date, you help prevent the spread of disease to yourself, the general public, and children who may be unable to have immunizations.

There are several vaccines that the CDC notes are vital to keeping your child healthy from birth to 15 months, including:

• Hepatitis B — 1st dose at birth, 2nd dose at 1-2 months, 3rd dose at 4-15 months.
• Rotavirus — 1st dose at 2 months, 2nd dose at 4 months.
• DTAP — 1st dose at 2 months, 2nd dose at 4 months, 3rd dose at 6 months, 4th dose between 15 through 18 months, and 5th dose between 4 through 6 years.
• Poliovirus — 1st dose at 2 months, 2nd dose at 4 months, 3rd dose at 6 to 15 months.
• Influenza — should be received every year at the start of the flu season.

Note: You should always consult with your child’s doctor to determine the full list of vaccinations appropriate for your child throughout their developmental years.

Arlington Vaccines & Immunizations

Help stop the tide of disease in your community by scheduling an appointment at Urgentology Care in Arlington today.

Utilizing Telemedicine for Your Child

Often when children are sick, they become more temperamental and are less likely to want to leave the house to go to the doctor. They additionally may fear seeking medical attention. Utilizing telemedicine in these instances will allow your child to receive the care they need without the extra stress.

Pediatric Conditions Treated With Telemedicine

Not all symptoms or conditions are appropriate to be treated through telemedicine. If your child is experiencing a life- or limb-threatening condition, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Conditions that our specialists at Urgentology Care can treat via telemedicine include:

• Common illnesses such as the flu, sore throat, pink eye, sinus or allergy issues, and nosebleeds.
• Skin irritations and rashes.
• Gastrointestinal concerns.
• General medical questions.
• Minor injuries such as bites, cuts, and burns.

Pediatric Care in Arlington TX

If you are concerned that your child has become ill, please come in and see us at Urgentology Care. Our compassionate and knowledgeable medical team will evaluate and treat your child’s symptoms right away.

Best Reasons to Vaccinate Your Child

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization prevents 2-3 million deaths globally every year. Keep reading to learn the benefits of keeping up with your child’s regular vaccinations.

Vaccines Can Save Your Child’s Life and Health

Polio is a perfect example of a once deadly disease that we’ve virtually eliminated thanks to the power of vaccination. Years ago, thousands of children suffered the devastating effects of polio, including disability for life and death, and today there are no reports of active polio infection in the United States. Unless we maintain vigilant vaccination protocols, that could someday change.

Vaccines Are Safe

Only after careful study and review by scientists and doctors is a vaccine recommended as part of a child’s immunization schedule. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare, and the most common side effects involve minor discomfort for only a short period of time.

Additionally, myths surround the idea that certain vaccinations, such as the flu shot, can actually make you sick. However, the strains of influenza used for the vaccine are either inactivated (no longer infectious), or a substrate created to mimic the flu. Either way, the shot cannot give you or your child the flu.

Vaccines Keep Other Children Healthy

While vaccination on a regular schedule is recommended for all healthy children, there are a few exceptions where children should avoid these immunizations, such as severe allergic reactions or illnesses that compromise immune response, such as leukemia.

By keeping your child’s shots up to date, you help prevent the spread of disease to yourself, the general public, and children who are unable to have immunizations.

Vaccinating Today Saves the Generations of Tomorrow

Did you know that measles and mumps can potentially cause infertility in men in later life? Or that rubella was once frequently passed from a pregnant mother to her unborn child, with potentially devastating consequences?

These are diseases that not only had an effect on the sick child but could also have frightening effects on future children. Today, immunization keeps harmful diseases from being passed on to the next generation. It’s critical that we never let these conditions gain ground again in our children today.

Vaccines Save Money and Time for You and Your Family

Taking time off for illness is never fun or easy. Not only is time lost from work or school when someone is sick, in many cases, a child will not be able to enroll in public school or daycare unless their immunization schedule is up to date. This is to protect every child in attendance.

Most routine immunizations are covered by health insurance, as well, including state funds like Medicaid. Financially, vaccination makes sense for everyone.

CDC Recommended Vaccine Timeline

There are a number of vaccines that the CDC notes are vital to keeping your child healthy from birth to 15 months, including:

• Hepatitis B — 1st dose at birth, 2nd dose at 1-2 months, 3rd dose at 4-15 months.

• Rotavirus — 1st dose at 2 months, 2nd dose at 4 months.

• DTAP — 1st dose at 2 months, 2nd dose at 4 months, 3rd dose at 6 months, 4th dose between 15 through 18 months, and 5th dose between 4 through 6 years.

• Poliovirus — 1st dose at 2 months, 2nd dose at 4 months, 3rd dose at 6 to 15 months.

• Influenza — should be received every year at the start of the flu season.

Note: You should always consult with your child’s doctor to determine the full list of vaccinations appropriate for your child throughout their developmental years.

Arlington Vaccines & Immunizations

Help stem the tide of disease in your community by scheduling an appointment at Urgentology Care in Arlington today. Stop in or give us a call at (817) 799-7273.

What is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine, or a telehealth conference, is a digital real-time appointment between you and a doctor, where you can discuss your health concerns and seek treatment.

Distance and travel between patients and their care providers can put a limit on access to the care they need. However, telemedicine helps expand your access. Done from the comfort of your home via a smartphone, tablet, or laptop — this health care option can be convenient for patients who do not have the time or ability to visit their doctor in person.

What Can Telemedicine Treat?

Not all symptoms or conditions are appropriate to be treated through telemedicine. If you are experiencing a life- or limb-threatening condition, dial 911 for immediate assistance.

Conditions or symptoms that are commonly treated through a telemedicine visit include:

• Sinus or allergy issues

• Asthma

• Minor colds and the flu

• Sore throat & strep throat

• Skin irritations, rashes, and insect bites

• Urinary issues, including UTIs

• GI concerns, including constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, or nausea

• Pink eye and other infections

• Birth control

Conditions that are NOT appropriate for a telemedicine visit include:

• Life-threatening life or limb – please call 911 for immediate assistance.

• Dizziness and vertigo

• Earaches

• Lacerations

• Fainting

• Poisoning

• Chest pain

• Migraines

• Abscesses

• Fractures & sprains

• Excessive nausea, dehydration, vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Shortness of breath

• STDs and STIs

For any of these conditions, we recommend consulting with your doctor or going to an urgent care for best treatment options.

Benefits of Telemedicine

If you’re interested in telemedicine, you may be wondering what the benefits are. Here are a few reasons to give it a try.

Access Care From Your Mobile Phone

Have you ever felt so sick, and you knew you needed to go to the doctor, but didn’t have the energy? Utilizing telemedicine is more convenient than going into an urgent care location.

As mentioned earlier, telemedicine can help you increase access to your healthcare providers. Additionally, a recent study showed that telemedicine helped to:

● Reduce hospital admissions in 38% of users.

● Increase patient engagement in their care.

Your doctor can diagnose your illness and write you a prescription, if medically indicated. That means that if you get your medications delivered, you won’t even need to leave the house. If you have to go to the pharmacy, you’ll only need to make one trip out.

Live Interactions

You’ll be able to speak to your doctor just like you would in-person. Telemedicine offers the same personal interactions as an in-office visit, such as:

● Sharing your concerns

● Finding support to manage a long-term condition

● Diagnosing an illness

Your telehealth appointment can serve the same personal interactions as an in-office visit.

Telemedicine should support, not replace, traditional healthcare methods. A strong relationship between doctors and their patients is the foundation of excellent care. You can take advantage of benefits telehealth offers, but you should also still continue to visit your doctor for in-person care when possible or recommended.

Telemedicine Care in Arlington, TX

Interested in our telemedicine services? Contact Urgentology Care today, call (817) 799-7273 to schedule your first virtual visit! We’re more than happy to help guide you in finding the best treatment options for your condition.

Everything You Need to Know to Stay Healthy This Flu Season

Autumn kicks off the start of the holiday season, but it also (unfortunately) brings the start of the flu season. Around 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population contracts the flu each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Additionally, around 100,000 Americans are hospitalized, and 36,000 die each year of complications from the flu. That being said, here’s everything you need to know to keep your family healthy this season.

The Influenza Virus

Commonly known to many as the flu, the influenza virus is an infectious disease with mild to severe symptoms. Three common types of influenza can infect humans: Type A, Type B, and Type C. Typically, flu season runs from October through March.

How You Can Contract the Flu

The influenza virus can be transmitted through the air in droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. Coming in direct contact with someone who has the flu, or an object that has germs on it (such as a telephone or door handle), is another surefire way to risk contracting the flu.

Common Flu Symptoms

The most common symptoms of influenza include:

• High fever

• Muscle pain

• Headache

• Coughing

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Fatigue

Typically, flu symptoms begin two days after an infected person contracts the virus, usually lasting about a week.

How Can I Prevent the Flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is by receiving a flu shot, annually, to protect yourself. When you receive a flu shot, your body builds antibodies to defend you against that particular strain. However, new strains of the flu are discovered every year, which is why patients are advised to continue getting a flu shot each year to protect against new strains.

In addition to the flu shot, here are some other ways to ward off the flu this season:

• Wash your hands frequently with hot, soapy water.

• Exercise to boost your immune system.

• Avoid touching your face in public or with unwashed hands.

• Eat a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and grains.

Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is not 100% effective, but it is still your best defense against the flu.

The only time you should not get the flu shot is if you have had a bad reaction to it before, are currently ill, or have an egg allergy. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor.

Can I Get the Flu from the Shot?

It takes about two weeks to develop immunity after being vaccinated, and it’s possible to get the flu during this time. Others believe that the flu shot can make you sick, but this is another fallacy. The flu shot contains ‘inactivated’ strains of the virus, and cannot make you ill.

It’s possible to get sick from an influenza strain not included in the vaccine. In either case, the flu vaccine will lower the severity of your symptoms. The CDC reports the flu vaccine historically has reduced the risk of influenza by 40-60%. That adds up to millions of people every season who are protected by the flu vaccine.

How to Treat the Flu

For most people, the flu will resolve on its own in 2 to 10 days. The best recipe for treating the flu is plenty of rest and fluids. If you have a fever, you should stay home from work, school, or other activities until 24 hours your last temperature over 99°F.

It’s been assumed that the best way to treat the flu is with an antibiotic, but this is false. As the flu is a virus and not a bacterial infection, an antibiotic cannot treat the flu. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe you with antiviral medicine, but typically a fever reducer and pain reliever (i.e., ibuprofen) are recommended.

Many patients believe treating the flu is just like treating a stomach virus. However, the influenza virus can have serious complications. People at a higher risk of developing complications include:

• Children under 5, especially those under a year old

• Adults over 65

• Residents of long-term care facilities

• Pregnant women

• People with compromised/weak immune systems or chronic illnesses

While not common, patients with the flu have also developed secondary conditions such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention immediately:

• Dizziness

• Confusion

• Shortness of breath

• High fever and a rash

Get Your Annual Flu Shot at Urgentology Care

Protect your family from the flu this season by visiting our staff at Urgentology Care today for a flu shot. Your shot will be covered under in-network insurance or $35 with self-pay. Call (817) 799-7273 or contact us online to schedule vaccination(s) for yourself or your child.

If you do believe you’ve contracted the flu, trying to self-diagnose is never easy. We encourage you to get checked if you have any symptoms of a cold, flu, or strep throat. Our team at Urgentology Care will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for your illness. Stop in today for a walk-in appointment.