The flu season is here in the Hampton Roads area and some folks will experience symptoms of the respiratory illness and wonder is this a cold or is it the FLU? M.D. Express Urgent Care is here to help. We offer rapid flu test and treatment for your symptoms.
Risk Factors
Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they contract the flu. However, flu can be serious for anyone, so it’s important to take as many steps to prevent infection as you can. Risk factors for complications from the flu virus include:
- Elderly
- Young children and babies,
- Pregnant women
- Asthmatics
- Diabetics
- People with Heart disease
How Does the Flu Virus Spread
Flu is typically spread by droplets made when people with virus cough, sneeze, or talk. Rarely, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.
Tips for Reducing Your Risks of Contracting the Flu
Practice good health habits! These small steps can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and or mouth.
- Avoid or limit close contact with sick people.
- If you do get ill, stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care.
Cold vs Flu Symptom Comparison
Sometimes common cold symptoms can overlap flu symptoms and you might be unsure which it is. Check out the symptom comparison diagram to better determine which virus you might have. If you are in doubt, M.D. Express is here to help.
At M.D. Express Urgent Care, we strive to provide the highest level of patient care for our community. We serve the Hampton Roads area with five convenient locations in Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Williamsburg and Gloucester. If you or your family are experiencing any of the above symptoms and need to be seen by a doctor, come by and see us!
