Flu, also called influenza, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs, part of the respiratory system. A virus causes the flu. Influenza is generally called the flu, but it’s distinct from the stomach “flu” viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. However, if you are feeling any symptoms of the flu, then you should immediately search for a flu test near you and get yourself tested today!
It is common for individuals with the flu to recover without medical intervention.
But sometimes, flu and its difficulties can be incurable. Some groups of people are at a more increased than average risk of having flu difficulties, including:
- Young children, especially those aged 12 months or younger.
- People who plan to be pregnant, are pregnant, or recently gave birth during flu season.
- Adults older than age 65.
- People who live or work in buildings with many other residents. Examples are those in nursing homes, military barracks, and people in the hospital.
Flu Symptoms
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. Individuals who have contracted the flu virus may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu Complications
Most people who get the flu will heal in a few days to less than two weeks, but some will develop difficulties due to the flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in demise.
Sinus and ear infections are examples of mild complications from the flu. At the same time, pneumonia is a severe flu complication resulting from either flu virus infection alone or co-infection of the flu virus and bacteria.
Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis), muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), and multi-organ failure (for example, respiratory and kidney failure).
Flu virus infection of the respiratory tract can start an intense inflammatory response in the body and lead to sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to infection. Flu can also make chronic medical problems more threatening.
How does the flu spread?
The flu virus spreads from direct or indirect contact with someone else who’s infected. Standard ways to get the flu include:
- From someone nearby coughing, sneezing, or talking. Droplets can either get onto your hands or drive through the air to get into your nose or mouth. The flu then moves into your lungs.
- Touching a surface contaminated by the flu virus touched your face, nose, mouth, or eyes. This includes things like door knobs, desks, computers and phones.
- You are feeling your face, nose, mouth, or eyes by touching the hands or face of someone with the flu.
What is a Flu Test?
A flu test helps your healthcare provider determine if you have the flu. If you have the flu, your healthcare provider may prescribe antiviral medication to help fight the virus. The medicine is called antiviral medicine. Antiviral medicine may help lessen flu symptoms and shorten your illness by about one day.
The flu is most expected during certain times of the year, known as flu season.
In the United States, flu season typically occurs between October and May and is transmitted from person to person through coughing or sneezing. You can also get the flu by touching a surface with the flu virus and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.
Most individuals who contract the flu suffer muscle aches, fever, and other discomfort. Generally, they recuperate in one to two weeks. However, the flu can lead to severe illness and even fatality for certain individuals, such as children under the age of 5, adults aged 65 and above, and people with chronic health conditions.
Eight reasons to get a flu shot
- A flu shot can rescue your life.
- Getting a flu shot can help you reduce the number of sick days you must take.
- Most people are eligible to get the flu shot.
- There is a needle-free flu vaccine.
- There is a flu shot for older adults.
- The flu shot does not give you the flu.
- The flu shot changes each year.
- The flu shot helps with herd immunity.
Is it possible to reduce my chances of catching the flu without taking a flu shot?
The flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu. But there are more measures you can take to help save yourself from the flu and other viruses, including COVID-19.
Follow these standard precautions:
- Wash your hands.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Avoid crowds. eezes.
- Regularly clean and disinfect generally touched surfaces, such as counters, light switches, and doorknobs.
- Practice good health habits.
Flu shots in Livonia
If you’re seeking flu shots in Livonia and need a convenient flu test near you, Livonia has you covered. Local healthcare providers offer flu vaccinations to safeguard you from seasonal influenza. Many clinics and pharmacies also provide on-site flu testing, ensuring prompt diagnosis and treatment if needed.
This proactive approach not only promotes individual well-being but also contributes to the overall health of the community. So, if you’re in Livonia and looking for flu-related services, rest assured that accessible options are readily available.
Difference Between Flu and COVID-19
Flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause them. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, while influenza viruses cause flu. Similar symptoms make it hard to differentiate between the two.
Some PCR tests can distinguish between flu and COVID-19 at the same time. If one of these tests is unavailable, many testing locations provide flu and COVID-19 tests separately. Talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for flu and COVID-19 if you have symptoms.
The Bottom Line
Livonia residents have convenient access to flu testing services in their vicinity. This ensures timely detection and management of influenza cases, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.
Additionally, with flu season approaching, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of getting flu shots. These vaccinations provide personal protection and contribute to herd immunity, safeguarding vulnerable populations. However, if you are looking for a “flu test near you,” there are numerous available resources for flu shots in Livonia, which is a proactive step towards a healthier community.
