- Symptoms:
- Include fevers, chills, loss of energy, loss of appetite, muscle aches, congestion and cough
- Importance of diagnosis:
- Can prevent spread to others, monitor for complications
- Treatment:
- Often with fluids, rest and recovery, Tamiflu can help
- By talking with you, performing a physical exam and possibly a test for the flu, an urgent care physician will usually be able to decipher between the less worrisome common cold and the more concerning of the two: influenza (flu virus). Sinus infections may also share some of the same symptoms as can COVID-19.
What are the Symptoms?
In general, these two respiratory illnesses share many of the same symptoms, including congestion, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and cough. Those with the flu may be more likely to have additional symptoms including chills, fever, aches and fatigue.
Prevention
Getting a flu shot before getting sick, can greatly reduce your risk of contracting the flu but cannot eliminate your risk of getting sick with a cold or even the flu. Your local urgent care is a good place to inquire about a flu vaccine for yourself and your family. As always, good handwashing, taking good care of yourself (adequate sleep, good nutrition and regular exercise) can help keep your body and immune system strong, to be prepared if/when challenged by the flu.
A Rapid Test
In addition to history and physical exam, a rapid test has now become commonplace for most providers to use as the definitive test to make certain the correct diagnosis is made. A nasal swab (up your nose) sample is taken for analysis.
Most flu tests are Polymerase Chain Reaction, “PCR tests”, and the Rapid Diagnostic Test, “RIDT”, that can provide a result in minutes. These tests usually provide a result in around 10 to 15 minutes, making it easier than ever to determine if this is the reason for the symptoms you may have.
Treatment Options
For both the cold and influenza, treatment can be similar. This includes rest, plenty of fluids, a healthy diet and caution not to infect others.
If you are diagnosed with the flu early in its course, many providers add Tamiflu to lessen your symptoms and duration of symptoms.
The Takeaway
Flu season will be different 20/21 and moving forward, than in years past with similar symptoms to COVID-19. Your urgent care is equipped to test for both conditions and determine the best course of action for you and your loved ones.
