Flu

Flu services offered in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows and Mt. Prospect, IL

The flu affects up to one in five Americans each year, causing fatigue, coughing, sore throat, fever, congestion, or weakness. At NewMed Immediate Care in Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows, and Prospect, Illinois, a skilled medical team diagnoses and treats the flu to help you feel better and recover as quickly as possible. Schedule an evaluation by phone, online, or simply walk into the office today.

What is the flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory infection of your lungs, throat, and nose. It’s a common, often seasonal, illness caused by a virus and can lead to debilitating symptoms when not cared for. While many people can recover from the flu on their own over time, NewMed Immediate Care’s experts can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of flu complications.

They can also vaccinate you for flu if you have not received it this year and are not showing symptoms.

What are the symptoms of flu?

Flu symptoms typically include:

Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Weakness
Extreme fatigue
Cough
Headache
Muscle aches
Chills
Sweating

Children may become irritable or fussy and experience vomiting, diarrhea, a stomach ache, or ear pain along with the flu.

See your provider immediately if you or a loved one develops difficulty breathing, chest pressure or pain, dizziness, seizures, confusion, or signs of dehydration (dark yellow urine or infrequent urination).

Symptoms of the flu tend to appear quickly, often within several days after you’re exposed to the virus.

Complications that may develop because of the flu include ear infections, lung infections, infections of the central nervous system, acute respiratory distress, and dehydration.

What are the risk factors for the flu?

The flu is caused by a virus that travels through the air in droplets when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs. You can also contract the virus by touching shared surfaces or objects and touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

People with weakened immune systems, including babies, young children, older adults, people who are obese, and individuals with chronic diseases, have a higher risk of contracting the flu or having severe symptoms.

Individuals with the flu are usually contagious from a day before symptoms appear until 5-7 days after symptoms begin.

Reducing your risk of getting the flu includes being vaccinated, washing your hands often, keeping your distance from people with signs of flu, and not touching your hands to your nose, mouth, or eyes.

How is the flu diagnosed?

Diagnosing the flu at NewMed Immediate Care involves a discussion about your medical history and symptoms, a physical exam, vital sign check, and lab testing. Your provider might also screen for ear infections, strep throat, or similar concerns.

How is the flu treated?

Treating the flu may consist of home care (rest, fluids, etc.) and over-the-counter or prescription medications that ease or reduce the severity of your symptoms and speed up recovery. You might take medications orally, use a device similar to an asthma inhaler, or receive intravenous (IV) fluids or medications. Rest at home until your fever subsides.

Get a flu evaluation at NewMed Immediate Care by calling the office, using the online booking feature, or walking in today.