October was meant for fall festivals, leaves changing and trick-or-treating. It was NOT meant for the flu!

Our team at AFC Urgent Care TN wants you to know how you can take action against the flu virus this season, as well as what you can do if you do come down with the flu.

What Is the Best Way to Prevent the Flu?

This is an easy one! Get your flu shot. The flu vaccine is the single best way to prevent the flu. Nearly everyone age 6 months and older should be vaccinated each year.

Because the flu is very contagious, it’s also important to keep an eye out for symptoms, both in yourself and in those around you.

Signs of the Flu

• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Headaches
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Well, if you’ve had the flu, it may have seemed like it stuck around forever! But in actuality, most flu symptoms go away within a week to 10 days.

Some symptoms, like a cough or fatigue, may linger for a while after that as your immune system recovers and you get back to your best. You can expedite your body’s healing with a few basic treatment steps.

Treatment for the Flu

• Take an antiviral medication like Tamiflu, if prescribed.
• Get plenty of rest and sleep.
• Drink lots of fluids, mainly water.
• Take OTC medications to alleviate individual symptoms like a sore throat or fever.

Are you thinking you might be coming down with the flu? Our AFC Urgent Care TN locations are open seven days a week in order to better care for our community members.