Worried It’s the Flu? Urgent Care Guidance for Recognizing and Responding to Symptoms

Think you might have the flu and wondering what to do next? Some cases of influenza can be managed at home, while others require urgent visits to a nearby healthcare provider. We’re here to help you understand what to expect from the flu, how to manage symptoms, and when it’s time to seek professional care.  

CDC Recommendations When Battling the Flu

The CDC recommends you stay home if you are sick, regardless of whether you have tested positive for influenza.

Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. Stay home and avoid contact with others if you have flu symptoms.

Emergency rooms and other acute care facilities are intended for people who are very sick. Mild cold and flu symptoms can and should be treated at home.

What are some of the mild symptoms you can experience with the flu?

Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. These mild symptoms listed below can usually be managed at home without consultation from a medical provider. 

Common flu symptoms:

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*Not everyone with the flu will have a fever, and illness can range from mild to severe. 

Stages of the Flu

How long does the flu last? It’s not uncommon for influenza symptoms to last a week. That said, stages typically look like this: 

• Days 1–3: Fever, chills, aches and pains. The flu is most contagious at this stage and symptoms tend to be at their strongest.
• Days 4–5: Fever may taper off. Symptoms like coughing and a sore throat may persist. Some people with the flu may become concerned if they still have a fever by day 5, but this can be part of the normal recovery timeline. 
• Days 6–7: Symptoms can improve, but the body is still recovering, so energy levels may be low. 
• Week 2 and beyond: Coughing may persist with some lingering exhaustion. 

What to do if you think you might be getting the flu?

Getting sick is never fun, but if you think you’re getting the flu, here’s what you can do:

1. Assess your symptoms and determine whether you can care for yourself at home.
2. Contact a provider if your symptoms are severe. Or, treat yourself at home.
3. Isolate yourself from others to prevent the spread of the illness.
4. Follow your doctor’s treatment instructions. Or, if you’re self-treating at home, be sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms as needed. 

How can I treat minor symptoms of the flu?

• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to reduce fever and muscle aches*.

• Drink clear fluids, such as water, broth, or sports drinks. 
• Consider over-the-counter medications for cough and congestion as needed.
• Rest as needed or change some of your activities, depending on your symptoms. 
• Self-isolate for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without using fever-reducing medications.

*Don’t give products containing aspirin to children or teens recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. Aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition in such children.

When should I seek immediate care for the flu? 

People experiencing any of the following warning signs should seek medical care right away. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911.

In Children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish lips or face
• Ribs pulling in with each breath
• Chest pain
• Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
• Dehydration (no urine for 8 hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• Not alert or interacting when awake
• Seizures
• Fever above 104°F
• Fever in infants less than 12 weeks
• Fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens
• Worsening chronic medical condition

In Adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse
• Seizures
• Not urinating
• Severe muscle pain
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness
• Fever or cough that improves but then returns or worsens
• Worsening chronic medical condition

Often, flu symptoms can be managed at home. This option is preferable as it prevents the illness from spreading to others and allows you to get the rest and care you need in your home. 

These lists are not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other severe or concerning symptoms. If your symptoms last longer than the stages outlined above or don’t match typical flu symptoms, an online visit lets you get answers from a provider without leaving home. 

I Think I Have the Flu While Pregnant

If you’re pregnant and experiencing flu-like symptoms, contacting a healthcare professional is essential. Experts recommend the use of antivirals to treat pregnant people with the flu to prevent early labor and other risks.

If you think you need treatment, we’re here. Start an online visit or visit us in person. We’re here to support you.

These recommendations come to us from the CDC as a trusted resource. Visit CDC.gov for more information.  

Online Care for Flu Symptoms and Concerns

The CDC recommends that people with the flu stay home unless they have a high fever or are otherwise experiencing an emergency, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Thankfully, many healthcare providers offer online care as an alternative approach if you are still determining the level of care you need.

 

We Offer More Than Urgent Care

The Urgency Room’s online care is available daily from 9am to 6pm. No appointment is necessary.

No need to wait—we will let you know when your results are ready.

• Log in and complete an online questionnaire (the average visit takes less than 10 minutes)
• Your information will be reviewed by one of our Urgency Room providers within an hour. 
• Should your provider determine you need to be tested (flu, strep, COVID) they will instruct you to present to an Urgency Room location after your visit for the test only.