The winter season can be great for so many reasons, but not for illness! With the cold and flu season in full swing at the start of the new year, it is important to refresh your memory about common symptoms of influenza.

We want your entire family to avoid the flu this year! If you haven’t yet, swing by for your annual flu shot. In addition, our AFC Urgent Care Knoxville team explains the flu symptoms to watch for this year.

How Do I Know If It’s the Flu?

Many different illnesses start by producing common symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing or sore throat. Because of this, don’t immediately think of influenza when you start to feel ill!

You should, however, make a plan to head home, as influenza symptoms tend to appear quickly and severely. One minute you could be experiencing a mild runny nose and the next you have a fever and the chills. Influenza tends to make you feel ill really fast, so it is best to get home and rest.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Runny nose/congestion
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Muscle or body aches

Is the Flu Treatable at Home?

Since the flu is a viral infection, the best way to combat it is to rest as much as possible and let your body do the work for you. You might feel under the weather for a few days, but once your body starts to overcome the infection, you should start to feel better quickly.

Focus on symptom management while you wait! You can take any OTC medication to help reduce the severity of your symptoms, and you should also drink plenty of water and get lots of rest. If you are 65 or older, it might be a good idea to meet with your medical provider as the flu can produce more severe complications as you get older.

4 Things to Avoid When You Are Sick

• Alcohol and caffeine
• Hard-to-digest foods like heavy grains or greasy foods
• Sugary foods or drinks
• Outings in public, like to work or to school

If you are wondering if your recent illness is the flu, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Knoxville for a rapid test.