Can I Fail a Physical Exam?
Physical examinations measure your current health to evaluate how to maintain or improve that state by treating any problems. Is it possible to fail this sort of exam, and what could you do about it?
I Have the Flu: Should I Take an Antiviral Medication?
Upper respiratory infections are widespread and can be caused by many things, including viruses and bacteria. In the fall and winter months, several of these infections are vying for the chance to infect you and make you miserable, with the flu (short for influenza) being one of the most common. This is a global problem around this time of year, with a billion cases annually and up to five million of those becoming a serious medical problem.
New vaccinations are available yearly to try to keep up with the different strains of this illness, but there is still the risk of getting a different strain your body hasn’t been treated against. Regardless of how you get the flu, are antiviral medications the best solution for managing the condition as you recover once it happens?
Dr. Andrew Nangalama and his experienced American River Urgent Care staff are here to help treat the flu and other upper respiratory conditions in Orangevale and Rancho Cordova, California.
Facts about the flu
The influenza virus affects the lungs, throat, and nose. Its effects can cause symptoms in the head, which can be confused with similar symptoms for other infections like the common cold and COVID-19. These can cause signs like sore throat and cough, but the flu also commonly presents with fever, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes sneezing, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion.
Cases of the flu (up to 40 million people annually in the US alone) are higher between October and May and peak between December and February. The risk of getting the flu increases if you’re dealing with other medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, illnesses that weaken the immune system (HIV, AIDS, cancer), blood disorders, obesity, or live in a long term care facility.
How other treatments work
A large number of flu infections are mild to moderate and can be dealt with using a few methods:
Home care
Most cases of the flu will clear up on their own, and it generally only lasts for as long as two weeks, provided you practice proper home care, such as getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and using over-the-counter medications for congestion and other symptoms.
Flu shot
Vaccines will essentially build your body’s immunity to the virus by exposing you to a weakened variation, making it easier to fight off. The result is either not dealing with the flu during the season or milder issues while infected.
When to use antivirals
Treatment for the flu is best applied shortly after it starts (preferably in the first 48 hours) to reduce the length of time you’re struggling with it, so the moment you think you have it, contact your doctor. Antiviral medications can be used to both treat the flu and to prevent it if you’re in an environment with other people infected, and the medications commonly used are baloxavir marboxil, oseltamivir, zanamivir (Xoflusa, Tamiflu, and Relenza, respectively). These drugs work to reduce the virus’ ability to reproduce, making the time you have to endure it a more effortless experience.
Vaccinations are the first line of defense against the flu, but antivirals are also essential to reduce its impact if you contract the virus. If you’re struggling with signs of this or other seasonal illnesses, contact Dr. Nanagalama and American River Urgent Care today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
5 Myths About Vaccinations Busted
Vaccines have been around for years and have gotten a lot of flack over claims that have confused millions on this crucial part of preventive medicine. Let’s put the fiction to rest by looking at the facts about them.
Should I Go to Urgent Care for My Injury?
People get hurt constantly, whether it’s a cut, pulling a muscle, or falling down. But when is an injury severe enough to warrant medical attention? And when does that mean going to urgent care? Read on to find out.
When Your Job is the Cause of Your Repetitive Stress Injury
Certain actions and motions done over and over again lead to problems like repetitive stress injuries, and these issues often happen in your work environment. Here is what you should do when you're experiencing a work-related stress injury.
I Think I Have a UTI: Do I Need Antibiotics?
The signs are all there: unusual pelvic pressure, a burning sensation during urination, and strong-smelling urine. You suspect you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Can you take a “wait-and-see” approach, or do you need antibiotics?
Tips for Beating Nasal Congestion
While many things can cause a stuffy nose, the average case of nasal congestion is brief and self-resolving. In the meantime, you want quick relief from its relentless irritation. Here are a few ways to beat nasal blockage and breathe easier.