Cold and Flu Q & A

What is the flu?

Most people mistake a severe cold with the flu because the two illnesses both affect your respiratory system and present similar symptoms. For example, colds and the flu both cause symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. However, the flu virus causes more severe symptoms as well as aches and pains, chills, dehydration, fever, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and sweats. The flu can also compromise your immune system, making it more likely for you to develop other serious conditions such as pneumonia and bacterial infections.

What should I do if I think I have the flu?

If you think you have the flu, staying at home to rest and avoiding contact with other people are the best things you can do, especially if you have a fever. The flu is contagious, which means that you can easily spread it to coworkers or other students. You should be safe to get back to normal activities if you have passed 24 hours without a fever and feel up to it.

If your flu symptoms are severe, you can make an appointment with the expert physicians at DOCCS for treatment. Don’t expect a round of antibiotics though. The flu is a virus and needs to be treated with rest, fluids, and in severe cases, antiviral medications. If you are pregnant, elderly, or have a chronic medical condition which may be exacerbated by the flu, make an appointment by calling or booking online for prompt medical attention.

How is the flu treated?

In most cases, rest is the best way to help your body fight off a virus and recover. However, if you are in a high-risk group, like the elderly, pregnant women, or have a chronic health condition, you should seek medical attention with the physicians at DOCCS. They may prescribe antiviral medications to support your immune system while it fights off the flu virus. Antivirals are available in pill, liquid, or inhaler form.

If you have the flu or a cold, call or make an appointment online today. The doctors at DOCCS offer treatments including symptom relief, infusion therapy to address dehydration, and annual immunizations for the flu. Our on-site lab and pharmacy mean that you have access to the tests and medications you need at your convenience.