Flu

Flu services offered in Canton, MA

Even if you get the annual flu shot on time every year, you can still get mild symptoms of a flu infection, like body aches and a dry cough. At Canton Urgent Care in Canton, Massachusetts, Muhammad Bajwa, MD, and Monika Parrish, PA-C, can help you manage your flu symptoms with antiviral medications and suggestions for symptom relief. Call Canton Urgent Care, book an appointment online, or walk in for prompt flu care today.

What is the flu?

The flu is an illness from influenza viruses, which tend to be most active in the colder seasons. It’s an infection of your sinuses, nose, and airways that can vary in severity.

While you can get over the flu with little or no treatment in most cases, the flu can cause deadly complications in vulnerable populations like seniors, small children, and immunocompromised people.

There is a flu vaccine you can get each year sometime before flu season starts. This vaccine protects you against the most prevalent strains of the influenza virus in a given year. The annual flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective against the illness but can reduce your chances of severe infection or complications.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms of the flu feel similar to the common cold, a similar viral respiratory illness. The main difference is that flu symptoms occur suddenly while cold symptoms intensify gradually. Typically, flu symptoms are also more severe.

Influenza infections tend to cause symptoms like:

Fever
Body aches
Headache
A dry cough
Chills
Sweats
Sore throat
A runny nose
Nasal congestion

Children with the flu often experience vomiting and diarrhea, though these symptoms are less common in adults. You can manage your symptoms at home in most cases but should visit Canton Urgent Care if you or your child has a high risk of complications. Seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or seizures with the flu.

How is the flu treated?

Canton Urgent Care provides gentle treatment for the flu and offers suggestions on how to alleviate symptoms. While the flu doesn’t have a cure, rest and plenty of fluids can help you get over the infection faster than you would otherwise. You should also stay home while you’re sick, as the flu is quite contagious.

Your provider at Canton Urgent Care may prescribe antiviral medications to shorten your illness and reduce your risk of experiencing any complications. Additionally, over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce some of the symptoms of the flu.

Call Canton Urgent Care, book an appointment online, or walk in for prompt flu care today.