Flu (Influenza)

Learn more about the flu, including flu symptoms and how to treat the flu.

Flu care, vaccines and support all season long

The flu hits every year and can happen to anyone. That’s why it’s so important to get your flu shot and to know what to do if you catch the flu. With vaccines, expert care and convenient ways to be seen, count on Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist to be here and ready all season long.

Need flu care?

The flu is never fun. Even mild cases can leave you sick in bed for a week or two. Fortunately, most people can recover at home. But if you’re worried about symptoms or are immunocompromised, it’s a good idea to seek medical care.

With convenient ways to be seen, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist makes it easy to get flu care when and where you need it. If you think your symptoms are life-threatening, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department right away.

Need Care?

Whether you are a new or existing patient, let us help you find the right provider. Need immediate care? Find an Urgent Care or Emergency Room near you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the flu?

The flu is a nickname for influenza, a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu viruses infect the nose, throat and lungs. Sometimes the illness is mild. Other times it can be severe and even lead to death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 20% of the population gets the flu every year. More than 200,000 are hospitalized from complications related to the virus, and about 36,000 people die from the seasonal flu.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

When you have the flu, you may have some or all of these symptoms:

Fever
Chills/sweats
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Most people with the flu do not need medical care, but medical care may be needed for those who are at risk of developing serious complications from the flu. You should also see a doctor if you experience severe symptoms, such as:

Difficulty breathing
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

Who's at risk of flu complications?

Some people are at risk for developing serious flu complications. Those people include:

Older people
Young children
Pregnant women
People with health conditions, including asthma, diabetes or heart disease
People who live in facilities, such as nursing homes

Complications can include:

Bacterial pneumonia
Ear infections and sinus infections
Dehydration
Worsening chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes

How can I prevent the flu?

One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to stay healthy. Other prevention methods include:

Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If possible, avoid places where there is a higher likelihood of coming in contact with people who have the flu.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before meals and after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid sharing drinks.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Get a flu vaccine each year.

I think I have the flu. What should I do, and how can I treat it?

If you have flu-like symptoms, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. If you have a fever, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. To further prevent the flu virus from spreading to others, make sure you cough or sneeze into your arm or elbow. And be diligent about washing your hands.

Over-the-counter medicines, fluids and rest are usually all that’s needed to get over the flu. If necessary, your provider may prescribe an antiviral medication. For the best results, antiviral flu medications should be taken within 48 hours of your first symptoms.

If you have any symptoms that concern you, schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit the nearest urgent care.

When should I get my flu shot?

Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated every year against the flu virus. Flu vaccines are your best defense against getting sick and the most effective way to control the spread of the virus.

Get vaccinated in September or as early as possible during flu season, which usually begins in October and peaks in January or February.

Ask your doctor before getting a flu vaccine if you have:

A severe allergy to eggs
A moderate or severe illness with a fever
A history of severe reaction to the flu vaccine
A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (a paralytic illness)

Find answers to some frequently asked questions about the flu vaccine.

How long is the flu contagious?

People with the flu can infect others as early as 1 day before they develop flu symptoms and up to 7 days after. Young children and people with weaker immune systems may be contagious for much longer.

How does the flu spread?

Flu viruses travel through droplets that fly out of an infected person’s nose or mouth when they cough, sneeze or talk. Droplets can land in the mouth or nose of someone else nearby.

Sometimes, you can get the flu by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands and disinfect surfaces regularly.

Providers

Please see your primary care provider before scheduling an appointment with one of our specialists. If you don't have a primary care provider, we can help you find one.

Is it COVID-19, the Flu or a Cold?

Many COVID-19 and Influenza symptoms are similar. Testing is the only way to determine the right diagnosis.

*According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 symptoms are similar in children and adults, and symptoms can cover a wide range, from mild to severe. This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
**Not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
***If you have this symptom, seek medical care immediately.

Source: CDC.gov