It’s Flu Season!

In Mississippi, winter comes in short spurts. It’s cold and dreary one day warm and windy the next. But don’t be fooled, it’s still the time of year when people are coming down with a whole host of illnesses and infections. People may be quick to jump on calling everything the flu, but it is very important to understand the difference between the flu and colds, respiratory illnesses, or stomach viruses.

What’s The Difference?

The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by two different virus strains – Influenza A or B. It usually comes on suddenly and presents with fever, headache, body aches, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, fatigue, and general discomfort. But unlike a cold, it can be deadly. It is difficult for the CDC to track the actual number of deaths from the flu each year, due to reporting differences, the flu being a contributing factor in deaths as opposed to the only factor, or even having the virus leading to death from other causes like pneumonia or heart failure. The virus is most likely to be serious for pregnant women, young children, older people, and both men and women who have compromised immune systems.

What Should I Do?

So how can you do your part to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the flu? Make sure to stay home or keep your kids home from school when sick, wash your hands frequently, rest and stay hydrated. Even though it is too late now to get vaccinated for this winter’s flu, we can’t stress enough the importance of making the annual flu shot a habit for your family. If you missed it this year, put a note in your calendar to come and see us at any TrustCare in late fall 2017. It really is a safe, effective way to prevent the flu.

How Can TrustCare Help?

We’re only one month into 2017 and approaching peak flu season, and Mississippi is already seeing high and widespread influenza activity. There have been thousands of nationally reported flu related hospitalizations since the end of 2016 as well. If you think you might have the flu, make it to your doctor right away. Unlike a cold or some other viruses, there is a flu test to determine if that is what is getting you under the weather. If you test positive for it, your doctor is likely to prescribe medication, rest, and lots of fluids to get you back in good health.

TrustCare are open 8am-8pm every weekday, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1-7pm. We will help you Feel Better Faster! Find a location near you today!