5 Frequently Asked Questions About the Flu

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As flu and respiratory season approaches, we’re answering the top 5 Frequently Asked Questions we get most!

  1. What are the symptoms of the flu?

The flu commonly presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headache. Some individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. ExperCARE is open 7 days a week with extended hours and can help determine the best course of action for you. You never need an appointment, but can book ahead for your convenience.

  1. How long does the flu last?

The duration of flu symptoms can vary from person to person. In general, the flu can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. It is crucial to rest, stay hydrated, and follow your doctor’s recommendations for a speedy recovery.

  1. How is the flu spread?

The flu is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Practicing good hand hygiene, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can help prevent the spread of the flu.

  1. Who is at risk of complications from the flu?

Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu, including young children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with underlying health conditions. It is important for individuals in these groups to take extra precautions, such as getting an annual flu vaccine, to help protect against the virus.

  1. How can I prevent the flu?

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. Additionally, practicing good hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and disinfecting commonly-touched surfaces, can help reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu.

Note: It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and information about the flu. ExperCARE is here for you. Walk-in 7 days a week or schedule an appointment today and meet with one of our ExperCARE providers.

For more information about the flu, visit the CDC website.

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5 ExperTIPS to Help You Stay Healthy This Flu Season

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As Flu season approaches, remember ExperCARE is here for you! ExperCARE is sharing 5 ExperTIPS to help you stay healthy this Flu season. We provide compassionate care for all ages. Walk-in to one of our convenient Georgia locations today, or schedule an appointment at your convenience here.

Influenza (Flu) season is during the fall and winter, with peak levels from December through February. Here are five ExperTIPS to help limit your risk of catching the Flu:

  1. Know flu symptoms. It is important to know Flu symptoms so you can distance yourself from individuals who are exhibiting them. Common symptoms include fever or chills, coughing, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. See the complete list of symptoms on the CDC
  2. Know how the flu spreads. The flu spreads person-to-person by droplets made when people who have the flu cough, sneeze, and talk. These droplets are inhaled or land in the nose and mouth of people who are in close proximity to the sick individual.
  3. Limit touching your face. You can also catch the flu by touching an object that has the flu on it and then touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Make sure to regularly clean all surfaces in your home and at work, especially when you know someone is sick.
  4. Wash your hands frequently. To avoid inhaling and ingesting the flu, wash your hands frequently. Make sure you also wash your hands before eating.
  5. Get a flu vaccine. Getting a flu shot can help reduce your risk of catching the flu. According to the CDC, the flu vaccine can limit your chances of getting the flu between 40%-60%. If you do happen to still get sick, having the vaccine can reduce the severity of your symptoms. Having the vaccine can also reduce the risk for people around you such as infants, elderly, and people with chronic health conditions.

For more information about the flu, visit the CDC website.

At ExperCARE, get a flu test and allow us to help treat your flu symptoms. Walk-in or schedule an appointment today.

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ExperCARE Donates Thousands of Hand Sanitizers to Area Churches for Holiday Services

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ExperCARE is proud to have recently donated over 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to area churches ahead of their holiday services.

They say their primary concern is their patient’s health and wellbeing. “2020 has been a year of challenge and change for every business, family and person,” said ExperCARE CEO and founder Catherine Grant. “ExperCARE is grateful for the patients who choose us as their first choice for on demand healthcare. We want everyone to do their part to keep safe during the holidays and we’re happy to help in this small way.”

In an effort to spread holiday cheer and promote hand hygiene, ExperCARE is thankful for the opportunity to deliver hand-held hand sanitizers to 25 different churches in the Savannah and Richmond Hill area.

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Preparing for the Unpredictable Flu: The Time is Now

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A sudden sense of symptoms that no one wants to feel: fever, aches, chills, and fatigue. These are all defining symptoms of the dreaded flu. Seasonal influenza is just around the corner, which means the time to prepare is now, especially since it’s expected to be a highly active flu season.

“Flu is unpredictable but we can predict that it will arrive,” says Dr. Bill Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID). So ready or not here it comes. 

We are already seeing early flu-related activity right here in our region, and because of this health officials are warning of a more severe flu season than normal. While the flu is common, that is no reason to brush it off. The flu can be a very serious disease, especially for the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80,000 Americans died and 960,000 were hospitalized because of the flu during the 2017-2018 flu season. 

So how can you prepare? This time of year, flu vaccines are highly recommended. So if you are one who considers getting a flu shot, the CDC recommends that you get it now. Early vaccination is always better as it allows your body time to respond internally and create an army of flu-fighters. If you are on the fence about getting the flu shot, this is your year to do it. 2019 will be a highly active season. 

If you are wondering why you should get the vaccination this season, just remember the CDC says it will cut your chances of getting the flu in half. Even more importantly, it reduces your child’s risk of getting the disease that much more. According to the CDC, the flu shot reduces children’s risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit admission by 74 percent. It is often said that a flu shot can give you the flu, this is in fact a myth. The flu vaccine contains inactive germs, which means it’s impossible to actually give you the disease from the shot. If you feel a little under the weather after your flu shot, that is good news- your body’s immune system is building its army against the flu. You may feel sore or stiffness in your shoulder, but that is just a short term side effect of the shot. 

Did you know? Even if you do get the flu after getting the flu shot, health officials say it is proven that you will have less severe symptoms, a shorter illness, and you are also less likely to have complications. 

The flu shot is easy. ExperCARE has the flu vaccine at both of its locations: Savannah and Richmond Hill. We make it convenient for you! No appointments are needed, as walk-ins are always welcome. We are open when you are able to come and get your vaccination: 7 days a week with extended hours on weekdays and, of course, weekend hours. 

The flu shot protects millions of Americans from the widespread flu outbreak each year. 

 

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The 5 Easiest Ways to Avoid Contagious Colds, Flus and Bugs

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There are many things you can do to help keep the germs that cause colds, flus and other bugs at bay. Here are 5 of the easiest and most effective.

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The Flu: What You Need To Know

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Media outlets are reporting the worst flu season in a decade and rising fatalities from flu-related complications. Here’s to protect yourself, your family and your community.

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Debunking Flu Vaccine Myths

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It is that time of year again! Many people skip getting the flu vaccine because they have gotten incorrect information. Because of this, I’m going to beak down three popular myths for you. Myth #1 – “The Flu Vaccine will make me sick” Not true. The flu vaccine is not a live virus. It is dead…

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Should I get a flu shot?

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Should I get a flu shot? Why should I get a flu shot? Influenza, or “the flu”, is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others.

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Staying Healthy During the Worst Flu Season in Years

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Flu season is here yet again and with one of the worst outbreaks Georgia has seen in years. How bad is it? Here’s a Google Map that estimates how bad the flu season is across the country based upon aggregated Google search data.

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