If you’ve ever had the flu you probably remember it, but not fondly. The flu isn’t just a “bad cold.” It tends to hit suddenly and leave you feeling wiped out for days. But what does the flu feel like, and how do you know if you’re dealing with the flu or something else? Here are some signs to help you determine if it’s the flu, and when to head to Xpress Wellness Urgent Care for testing and treatment.
The Classic Flu Symptoms
The flu usually announces itself loud and clear, with symptoms that typically come on fast and hard. Common signs of the flu include:
- Fever and chills are often the first signs of the flu, usually with higher temperatures than what you would expect from the common cold.
- Body aches and fatigue that give you that “hit by a bus” feeling from your head to your toes.
- Cough that’s typically dry but persistent.
- Sore throat that can range from mild to severe.
- Headache with constant pressure or pounding.
While these symptoms are common with other illnesses, it’s typically the all-over, knocked-down feeling that separates the flu from other viruses.
Flu, Cold, or COVID?
Because symptoms overlap between the flu, a common cold, and COVID, it’s easy to confuse them. Here are some quick comparisons:
- Flu: Tends to hit fast, with high fever, body aches, and major fatigue.
- Cold: Usually more mild, with symptoms that build gradually over a few days with symptoms like sneezing or a runny nose.
- COVID: Can look a lot like the flu, but may include symptoms like loss of taste and smell.
If you’re suddenly feeling awful and can barely get off the couch, the flu is a strong possibility. But the only way to know for sure is with flu testing. That’s where Xpress Wellness Urgent Care comes in.
Flu Testing and Why It Matters
The flu isn’t just uncomfortable, it can lead to serious complications. Young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions are most at risk, but the flu can cause secondary infections and complications in otherwise healthy individuals too.
Heading to Xpress Wellness Urgent Care for a flu test will help you get the right diagnoses and care. If your flu test is positive, you may be able to start antiviral medications to help you feel better, faster. But these medications usually work best when started within 48 hours from the start of symptoms, which is why you shouldn’t put off getting checked out.
Fast, Convenient Care with Xpress Wellness
If you’re feeling flu-like symptoms, Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is here to help. Find a location near you for walk-in flu testing and treatment, or check-in online for an even shorter wait time. We’re here to help you get back on your feet after being hit by the flu, so you can start feeling better, faster.
