Emergency Treatment for the Flu in Dallas

During peak flu season from October to March, it’s important to be prepared. While some may think the flu is just a bad cold, this is far from the truth, and you shouldn’t underestimate it. Anyone can catch seasonal flu, with its symptoms of terrible fatigue, achiness, and fever.

What Is the Flu?

Influenza – more commonly called the flu – is a contagious respiratory illness infecting the nose and throat, and sometimes the lungs. The symptoms may range from mild to severe, and even life-threatening. It’s especially dangerous for those who have health problems like diabetes or heart disease. Young children and older adults are at higher risk for the flu.

Symptoms of the flu include:

What Is the Difference Between the Flu vs. the Common Cold?

It’s easy to confuse the two, but a cold is milder than the flu. People infected with seasonal flu often have fevers, chills, cough, fatigue, achiness, and a headache. Less common symptoms are sneezing, sore throat, stuffiness, or stomach problems.

Is the Flu a Medical Emergency?

The flu may be deadly, but unfortunately, many think it’s not that serious. In fact, anywhere from 69,000 to 84,000 people are hospitalized from the flu in any given year, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CC).

Emergency warning signs of the flu include:

Who Is at Highest Risk of Getting the Flu?

Anyone can be infected with the flu, even healthy people. However, certain people have a higher risk of having a worse bout of illness than others, especially those with chronic health problems and/or a weakened immune system.

Those at the greatest risk from flu complications include:

• Young children between 6 months of age to 4 years
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Those with chronic illness, especially heart, lung, or kidney conditions
• Those with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those going through chemotherapy for cancer

What Should I Do If I’m at High Risk for the Flu?

You can take additional steps to stay healthy, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, sleeping 7-8 hours per night, and practicing good hygiene.