Urgent Care for Flu in San Antonio

What Is the Flu?

The flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can come on quickly and range from mild to severe, depending on the strain and the person affected. 

How the Flu Spreads

Understanding how the flu spreads can help protect yourself and others. The flu is primarily spread by:

• Airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Close contact with someone who has the flu.

What Causes the Flu?

The flu is caused by specific types of influenza viruses that circulate seasonally. Some years bring more severe strains of the flu than others.

Viral Strains: Influenza A, B, and C

Three primary types of flu viruses affect humans. Here’s how they differ:

• Influenza A: The most common and severe strain, influenza A, is often responsible for widespread flu outbreaks.
• Influenza B: This strain typically causes seasonal flu, especially in children and teens.
• Influenza C: Considered the rarest, influenza C usually results in mild symptoms.

Risk Factors and Who’s Most Vulnerable

Certain individuals are more likely to develop complications from the flu. Those at higher risk include:

• Children under 5.
• Adults over 65.
• Pregnant individuals.
• People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

Flu Symptoms and Stages

Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can affect the entire body. Recognizing these early signs can help you seek timely treatment and avoid complications.

Early Signs of the Flu

Here are the most common symptoms people experience at the onset of the flu:

• Fever and chills.
• Cough.
• Body or muscle aches.
• Sore throat.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Nasal congestion.

Stages of the Flu: What to Expect

The flu typically progresses through a few key phases. Each stage presents different symptoms and recovery markers:

1. Onset Stage – Symptoms, including fatigue, sore throat, or chills, appear suddenly.
2. Acute Stage – Fever, aches, and congestion peak. This is when symptoms feel most intense.
3. Recovery Stage – Fever subsides and energy returns, though some fatigue or coughing may persist.

How Long Does the Flu Last?

Recovery times from the flu can vary based on several factors, including overall health and how soon treatment begins.       

Typical Duration and Recovery Timeline

Most people recover from the flu in 5 to 7 days, although a lingering cough or fatigue can last up to two weeks.

Factors That Affect Flu Recovery

Several factors can influence how long the flu lasts and how quickly you recover:

• Age and overall health: Older adults or those with weakened immune systems may need more time to recover.
• Pre-existing conditions: Chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease can lead to longer recovery times.
• Timing of treatment: Getting care early may reduce the severity and length of symptoms.
• Flu vaccination: Those who have been vaccinated may experience milder symptoms and quicker recovery.

Best Flu Treatment Options

At-home remedies may help reduce flu symptoms, but sometimes professional care is necessary to prevent worsening symptoms or complications.        

Home Remedies for Flu Relief

You can often manage mild flu cases with supportive care at home.

Common home remedies include:

• Rest and hydration: Give your body time to heal while staying well-hydrated.
• Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and aches.
• Warm fluids: Tea, broth, and warm water help soothe sore throats and relieve congestion.
• Humidifiers or steam: Moist air can ease breathing and nasal discomfort.

When to Visit Urgent Care for Flu Symptoms

Urgent care may be your best option if your flu symptoms are severe or not improving.

We encourage you to visit Alamo City Urgent Care if you experience:

• High fever lasting more than three days.
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort.
• Severe body aches or fatigue.
• Vomiting or signs of dehydration.
• Symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen.

Fast, Effective Flu Treatment at Alamo City Urgent Care

At Alamo City Urgent Care, we’re committed to helping you feel better quickly.

Our providers offer walk-in urgent care for the flu with same-day testing, personalized care, and symptom relief tailored to your condition.

Here’s why patients throughout San Antonio trust us for flu care:

• Walk-in flu treatment—no appointment needed.
• On-site rapid flu testing and diagnosis.
• Treatment for all flu stages.
• Convenient San Antonio urgent care locations.
• Open 6 days a week with extended hours.

Visit us or explore all cough, cold, and flu care options to learn more about how we can help.