Flu season has arrived in Annapolis! According to the Maryland Department of Health, flu is on the rise with “widespread activity” of “moderate intensity“–up from “minimal” last month.
Read more to know the symptoms and when to go/call/see your doctor. Remember that treatment must be started within 48 hours of first symptoms.
Symptoms of Flu
WebMD has a nice summary of the symptoms of influenza (flu). Note that symptoms start suddenly and often include:
- Fever of 100.4°F to 104°F, which can reach 106°F (41°C) when symptoms first develop.
- Body aches and pain
- Headache
- Pain when you move your eyes.
- Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness (malaise), and loss of appetite.
- A dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat.
- Influenza usually does not cause symptoms in the stomach or intestines, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Call your doctor if:
- You have an extremely high fever (104 F or higher)
- Your fever lasts for longer than 3 days
- You are finding it more difficult to get a good breath
- Wheezing
- New symptoms localized to the ear, throat, chest or sinuses
- Symptoms don’t go away or become more severe
Call 911 if:
- Trouble breathing
- Severe headache or stiff neck associated with confusion or excessive drowsiness
How Serious is Flu?
According to the CDC, flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Anywhere from 3,000 to 49,000 people die each year from the flu.
Contagion
People with flu are contagious beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.
Bottom Line
If you or someone in your family has sudden onset of high fever, whole body aches, chills and feels generally awful, see your provider right away. A rapid Flu Test is available to get an answer in 10 minutes. And remember that Tamiflu, the only treatment, must be started within 2 days of symptom onset.
If you need to be seen immediately, Evolve Direct Primary Care is happy to see you as a walk-in or you can schedule a visit on-line here.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Instagram.
