Emergency Treatment for the Flu in Dallas

During peak flu season from October to March, it’s important to be prepared. Getting the flu shot is one of the best ways you can protect yourself from this potentially deadly viral infection. 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.

Fortunately, the flu can usually be prevented, and the flu shot is safe.

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:

Should I Get the Flu Shot?

Yes. Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people. Advance ER recommends anyone over the age of 6 months should get the flu vaccine, including pregnant women and the elderly.

It’s especially important to get the flu shot because it protects more than just yourself. Even if you don’t have a high risk of flu, remember that anyone can get the flu, no matter how healthy they are. It’s important to get the flu shot if you’re around those who are at high risk, especially if you spend a lot of time around young children, the elderly, or those with chronic illness.

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?

First of all, make sure you get the flu shot. You can take additional steps to stay healthy, too, such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, sleeping 7-8 hours per night, and practicing good hygiene.