Flu | Cold | Sore Throat | Itchy Eyes
Having Symptoms of the Flu?
At Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care, we provide effective treatment for the flu and make sure you recover as soon as possible. We are staffed with highly experienced physicians around the clock to identify, treat and reduce the severity of your flu symptoms. We have multiple locations across Hamilton County.
Signs & Symptoms of the Flu
- Chest discomfort
- Dry and wheezy cough
- Fatigue
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches, particularly in back and legs
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, in some cases
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Weakness
What Is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection affecting the respiratory system. It can spread through the fluids produced during coughing and sneezing. Although the condition can be similar to a common cold, flu is caused by a different group of viruses and can lead to symptoms that are usually severe, appear abruptly and last for a week or two. Left untreated, influenza may lead to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain or heart.
People who are at a higher risk of developing flu complications may include:
- Adults older than 65
- Infants and young children, as old as 5
- People who are obese or have a BMI of 40 or more
- People with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, lung disease, asthma, etc.
- People with low immunity
- Pregnant women
Causes of Influenza
The flu virus can be transmitted through the droplets released in the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. One can either inhale the microorganisms directly or pick them up from objects like a keyboard, telephone, door knobs, etc., or by shaking hands with someone who has flu. The virus can spread a day before the symptoms appear in an individual and up to a week after getting infected.
Influenza viruses constantly keep on changing their surface structure, due to alternations in the RNA, making an individual susceptible to the infection throughout life. For instance, if you have had flu before, your body developed antibodies to fight against the viruses. However, as the virus changes, your body’s immune system may no longer perceive it as a problem until the symptoms begin to appear.
Flu Treatment at Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care
When you visit any of our convenient locations in Hamilton County, our physicians will conduct a prompt diagnosis to determine whether you have flu. Treatment for flu may include taking a prescribed dosage of antiviral medications within 48 hours after the symptoms appear. This may help to reduce the severity of the condition and prevent any complications. Self-care measures may include drinking enough fluids to maintain normal urine output, resting until your fever comes down, and avoiding exposure to dust, fumes as well as tobacco smoke. Seek emergency room care if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath or you start coughing up blood.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended to minimize the risk of getting infected with the influenza virus. People in the high-risk group should get immunized to prevent any serious complications.
