TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – According to the CDC, between one to two million Americans have contracted the flu this season so far. To start taking precautions against the disease, it is best to know what symptoms you can deal with. “Usually, you’ll get a pretty high fever, and the symptoms are usually pretty rapid onset. […]
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – According to the CDC, between one to two million Americans have contracted the flu this season so far. To start taking precautions against the disease, it is best to know what symptoms you can deal with.
“Usually, you’ll get a pretty high fever, and the symptoms are usually pretty rapid onset. So, fever, runny nose, sinus congestion, cough, respiratory trouble, and body aches,” said Jared Schreiner, Chief Medical Officer at Topeka ER & Hospital.
Fortunately, a diagnosis can be determined relatively quickly.
“If the patient comes in with symptoms from the flu virus or from COVID, we can quickly diagnose that with our lab here in-house and it gives them really quick responses and the doctor can help with the other diagnosis, and these tests help with the positive or negative,” said Chad Fay, the Emergency Room Technician for Topeka ER.
Dr. Schreiner recommends you follow common courtesy when sick with influenza.
“Cover your cough. Don’t share food and drink with people. Try to stay, you know, as isolated as possible from people, especially people who are elderly or otherwise have immune system problems, or may be more susceptible to illness, because the flu is easily spreadable,” said Schreiner.
It is important to remember that the virus can live on in your surroundings.
“It can last for sometimes several hours,” said Schreiner, “so keeping surfaces clean, keeping hands washed, that sort of thing can be really important.”
Keeping good habits can even lessen the chance of catching a case.
“The faster you rest and hydrate and take good care of yourself, the less severe these illnesses are. And that goes for every illness. Just general health is really important for fighting infections.”
From what Dr. Schreiner said, influenza rates are not abnormally high this year, but it is best to take precautions, like washing your hands, staying away from those feeling ill, and keeping up on your vaccinations.
If you contract the flu and have unusual symptoms like vomiting, it is important to visit your doctor for help.
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