The flu is here!
Protect yourself and your family by washing your hands often; keeping your sneezes and coughs to yourself; and keeping your hands out of your eyes, mouth and nose. It’s also not too late to get the flu vaccine, which is available at The Family Medical Center – no appointment necessary. Walk-ins are welcome. (497 West Lott Street in Buffalo)
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine.
If you do get sick with the flu, stay home and avoid contact with other people – unless you are seeking medical care, per the CDC.
Influenza symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and some people experience vomiting and diarrhea.
The CDC recommends that you stay home “for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone expect to get medical care or other necessities.”
If you are seeking medicines to treat the flu or are seeking medical care, call The Family Medical Center at 307-684-2228 to schedule an appointment.
The CDC lists the following emergency warning signs of flu:
In children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Ribs pulling in with each breath
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
- Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Not alert or interacting when awake
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F
- In children less than 12 weeks, any fever
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
In adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
- Seizures
- Not urinating
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
If you experience any of these warning signs, obtain medical care right away.
Source: CDC
Because there are a lot of similarities between flu and COVID symptoms, the CDC has put together an informational page that lists the similarities and differences between the two. Learn more here.