2019 Flu Symptoms: What to Look For
Flu symptoms are known to miserable. For many, catching the seasonal influenza virus results in several days or even weeks of illness that keep them sidelined from work, school, and responsibilities at home. Severe and even life-threatening complications may also develop in individuals with compromised immune systems, including young children and adults over the age of 65.
For the 2019-2020 season, symptoms of the flu are not expected to differ from previous years. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Chills and sweating
- Muscle aches
- Congestion
- A dry cough
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
Call 911 or promptly visit the emergency room if you or someone around you is experiencing severe flu symptoms, including difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, chest pains, frequent vomiting, bluish skin color, or rash.
The single best way to prevent the flu and avoid these symptoms is to receive your annual flu vaccine. While it’s still possible to get sick after receiving a flu shot, your symptoms will be less severe and won’t last as long as they would if you hadn’t been vaccinated at all. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that vaccines for the 2019-2020 season have been updated to better match the virus strains that are expected to circulate this year, along with some changes to dosages to improve effectiveness. The CDC has also recommended that individuals should ideally be vaccinated before the end of October, although it’s never too late!
Visit us for a flu shot
Fast Track Urgent Care’s locations in Silver Spring and Kensington, Maryland, offer flu shots on a walk-in basis to adults and children. Visit us today – we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
