Flu season is officially upon us. According to the CDC, about 8% of the U.S. population gets sick with the flu every year.

While it can be tough to avoid the flu between the months of October and February, it’s possible to do so! Our AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail team provides some helpful facts about the flu and its common symptoms below, so keep reading!

What Is the Flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. This illness attacks the nose, throat and lungs, and it can, at times, lead to serious illness. Older adults, young children and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of experiencing severe flu complications.

Flu cases rise each winter, but thankfully, the flu vaccine works to lower both your chances of getting sick and having serious health complications due to the virus. We’ve listed some common symptoms of the flu below.

Common Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Aches and pains throughout the body
• Headaches
• Chills
• Sore throat
• An extreme feeling of fatigue
• A persistent and worsening cough
• Stuffy or runny nose

Will I Get a Fever If I Have the Flu?

Most likely, yes. Most flu cases result in a fever of over 100° F, but why?

A fever is actually your body’s way of protecting you from greater illness! A rise in body temperature makes it more inhospitable for a virus or illness to thrive. Although your body is providing a service when having a fever, it still isn’t fun to experience. We’ve listed some ways to break a fever below.

Ways to Help Break a Fever

• Stay in bed and get plenty of rest.
• Keep hydrated! Drinking lots of water, tea and diluted fruit juices can help to replenish lost fluids.
• Take OTC medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Stick to the proper dosage on the bottle, and don’t them use alongside other fever-reducing medications.
• Stay cool. Remove extra layers of clothing and blankets, unless you have the chills.

Need a flu vaccine? Stop by our AFC center today to get yours!