(NAPSI)—It’s the peak of flu season, and while fortunately we
are not experiencing the epidemic of last year, millions are still suffering
from the flu this year. Although common, the flu can be serious and even lead
to hospitalization or death. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention estimates that in the last seven years
the flu has been responsible for more than 700,000 hospitalizations and more
than 55,000 deaths across the United States.
Early identification of systems and subsequent treatment is key to making sure you limit the flu’s severity. For
those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, and especially for young
children and the elderly, knowing the difference between a cold and the flu
is very important.
Even if you’ve had the flu vaccination this year, it’s still
possible to catch the flu and pass it on to others.
Doctor’s Advice
“Every year we find that patients have a tendency to underestimate
the flu and forget what a serious health risk it presents, particularly for
the very young and for seniors, but really for anyone when it is left
unaddressed,” explained Jason Tibbels, M.D.,
board-certified family physician and vice president of Health Services at Teladoc, the leader in virtual care. “Without
proper care, the flu can be life threatening, so it’s vital to seek
care as soon as you’re experiencing any symptoms.”
The risk of flu varies state by state, but is currently widespread across
most of the U.S., even in states that tend to have warmer climates, such as
Texas, California and Florida, for example.
What To Watch For
So how do you know if you have the flu? Flu symptoms are often very
similar to those of a cold and include nasal congestion, cough, aches and
fatigue. Dr. Tibbels says the top four signs you
may have the flu are:
1. Quick onset. The flu often
comes on suddenly, whereas cold symptoms can slowly worsen over a few days
and are generally milder.
2. Fever. A moderate to high
fever (at or above 101° F) and chills are associated with the flu and are
not typical of the common cold.
3. Aches and headaches. Severe
muscle or body aches are a telltale flu symptom.
4. Known exposure. Close
contact with individuals known to have influenza can increase the chance of
contracting the virus.
What To Do If You Have The Flu
If you’re experiencing flu symptoms, don’t wait to seek care.
Fortunately in today’s era of virtual care, many have access to
board-certified doctors from any location, using a phone, mobile app or the
Web. This keeps you out of places such as the ER, which can be breeding
grounds for illness, and enables children and adults to stay in the comfort
of their home when sick. Because it’s symptomatic, the flu is one of
the best conditions to diagnose via virtual care, yet many people don’t
even realize they can access a telehealth solution
through their health benefits.
“If you are feeling sick, the last place you want to be is sitting
in a crowded waiting room, potentially being exposed to other illnesses,”
said Dr. Tibbels. “Visiting a Teladoc doctor is an effective way to get quality care,
while also containing symptoms and stopping the spread of flu.”
Learn More
For further facts about Teladoc and about your
flu risk, visit www.Teladoc.com/flu.
“Flu season has peaked. If you feel nasal
congestion, aches and fever, get a doctor’s advice now. Virtual care
such as Teladoc can connect you with a
board-certified doctor via phone, app or Web. http://bit.ly/2TLW2eZ”
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)