Having the flu is a terrible experience – you may be sniffly, feverish, and achy. Eventually, you start wondering if there’s nothing that you can do to feel better – but you can! You can get flu treatment at an urgent care located near you in Virginia, like AgenaCare.
How Do I Know What I Have?
It’s always best to confirm whether you have the flu or another ailment, like a cold or Covid-19. Symptoms for these illnesses can be very similar, so you may not be certain what exactly you have until you test. You can get tested at a medical facility or buy an in-home test. So if you have flu symptoms in Rocky Mount, VA, come to the walk-in flu clinic in Franklin County.
What Is The Flu And What Does It Do?
The flu, short for influenza, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract (lungs, throat, and nose) that can cause mild to severe illness and may result in complications that lead to hospitalization or death. While most people who contract the flu will recover in a few days to two weeks, some people will develop complications that can be life-threatening.
Everyone is at risk of contracting the influenza virus, and anyone who does is capable of passing the disease on to others.
Signs And Symptoms Of The Flu
- Fever
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
Also common in children:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Home Remedies To Try
It’s important to remember that there is only so much that you can do to speed up or ease any viral illness, including the flu. But there are a few things that you can do at home that may help and make you feel better.
Rest
Allowing your body time to rest while you’re battling the flu keeps your energy focused on getting better. It’s not clear if being up and about while you have the flu makes the course of your flu last longer, but it will definitely make you feel worse.
Stay hydrated
Replacing your fluids is important to keep your body functioning as well as possible while sick. Being hydrated may also help you feel better.
Take OTC fever-reducing medication
Over-the-counter fever-reducing medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) may alleviate aches and pains, reduce fevers, and help you feel better. Just remember that children and teens should NOT be given aspirin due to the risk of developing a complication called Reye’s syndrome.
Take supplements
Vitamins like zinc, vitamin C, and elderberry can help give you nutrients to fight off the infection. Whenever you add supplements, ensure that there are no contraindications or interactions with any medications you may be taking.
Moisturize your air
Consider using steam inhalation or vaporizers (cool or warm) to help clear your nasal passages and moisturize the air. This may make you feel better, but it won’t speed up the course of your illness.
Chicken soup with herbs
A comforting bowl of chicken soup can help soothe symptoms, especially when enhanced with immune-supportive herbs like thyme, garlic, or turmeric – all of which can help reduce inflammation and ease respiratory discomfort.
Warm saltwater gargle
Dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargling it several times a day can reduce throat inflammation and ease coughing.
Honey and lemon tea
Stir a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon into warm water or herbal tea. Honey soothes sore throats and suppresses coughs, while lemon offers a dose of vitamin C.
When Do Home Remedies Stop Being Enough?
As the threat of seasonal illness grows, it’s more important than ever to equip ourselves and our families with preventative care and practical remedies. While homemade solutions like teas, soups, and steam treatments can’t replace professional medical advice, vaccination, or antiviral medications, they can provide comfort and relief.
If your symptoms become severe, or seem to go away and then return (especially worse), you should start thinking about whether you should visit urgent care vs the ER to check out your flu. Here in Southwest Virginia, options for medical care can be limited, so visiting urgent care may be your best bet for immediate flu treatment.
When To Visit Urgent Care
Emergency warning signs for Adults*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain/pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Persistent dizziness or confusion
- Seizures
- Severe muscle pain
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Not urinating
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
Emergency warning signs for Children*:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish lips or face
- Chest pain
- Severe muscle pain (like the child refusing to walk)
- Dehydration (no urine for 8+ hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°
- Not alert or interacting while awake
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions (like asthma or diabetes)
*Please note that these lists are NOT all-inclusive.
Agenacare’s illness and injury care sees patients with various illnesses, like colds and flus. If you aren’t sure what you’ve got or why it’s so bad, our on-site rapid lab testing means you won’t be stuck waiting for answers. If you take a turn for the worse, we can see you the same day with no appointment necessary!
Our Urgent Care is open to all. No matter what you’re going through medically, AgenaCare is here to help you at our Urgent Care clinic. Give us a call today or come see us in Rocky Mount from 8 AM – 8 PM.