Flu
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SmartClinic Urgent Care
Urgent Care located in West Covina, CA & Santa Clarita, Canyon Country, CA
The flu can range from uncomfortable to dangerous, and it’s important you have the right prompt and personalized medical care when it strikes. From flu shots to medications, healthy lifestyle changes and preventive care, the dedicated health professionals of Smart Clinic Urgent Care offer effective testing and treatments for the flu in West Covina and Santa Clarita, California. If you’re experiencing symptoms or if you’d simply like to protect yourself with the flu shot, walk-in or call Smart Clinic Urgent Care.
Flu Q & A
What is the flu?
The flu or influenza is a viral infection that infects and attacks your respiratory system. The flu can resolve on its own, but it can be life-threatening and lead to serious complications in some cases, particularly in younger children and those with weakened immune systems.
You have a higher risk of developing complications of the flu if you have a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, kidney disease, heart disease, or diabetes.
The best preventive care method, protection, and defense against the flu is to receive an annual immunization. Annual flu immunizations (vaccinations) are recommended for everyone over the age of six months.
The flu shot usually protects from three or four influenza viruses that are expected to be the most prevalent during that flu season.
What causes the flu?
When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the flu virus travels through the air. You can contract the germs when you inhale droplets in the air. You can also contract the flu when you touch an object like a computer keyboard or door handle and then transfer the virus to your mouth, nose, or eyes when you touch your face.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Flu symptoms vary and might include:
- Persistent cough
- General weakness
- Sore throat
- Chest pain and tightness
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Aching muscles
- Sweats, chills, and increased temperature sensitivity
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fever
If you’re experiencing flu symptoms, it’s best to visit Smart Clinic Urgent Care for evaluation and treatment and to lower your risk of complications. Your provider can also check other aspects of your health.
Smart Clinic Urgent Care provides on-site rapid influenza testing to determine if you have the influenza virus. Rapid influenza testing is a simple nasal swab that reveals results within 15-20 minutes.
What are the complications of the flu?
If you’re in good overall health, you should fight off the flu within a week or two without any lasting effects. Some of the complications of the flu include:
- Asthma flare-ups
- Ear infections
- Heart problems
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
If you have the flu and you need treatment, your Smart Clinic Urgent Care provider might suggest an antiviral medication, bed rest, and plenty of hydration.
If you’d like to learn more about the flu shot or if you have symptoms or concerns, prioritize and protect your health and walk-in, click, or call Smart Clinic Urgent Care today.
