The 2017-2018 U.S. flu season was the deadliest in about a decade and this year many experts are predicting another severe season. It’s important to be aware of the ways in which you can take care of yourself in order to avoid getting sick.
Dr. Devin Minior, physician executive for Banner Health Urgent Care Centers, said that the best way to avoid getting the flu is to obtain a flu shot, especially if you are in a high-risk group for developing life-threatening complications from the flu.
Other precautions you can take include washing your hands often; keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth; staying home if you have flulike symptoms; eating well; staying active; and getting a good night’s sleep.
Minior said you can tell whether you have the flu if you experience “an abrupt onset with high fever, achiness, feeling run down, associated chest pain with cough.” Sore throats and sinus pain are not as common with flu illnesses.
If it is flu and you visit a doctor during the first days of the illness, you can be treated with an antiviral such as Tamiflu, Minior said.
Banner Urgent Care treats patients who have upper respiratory viral infections accompanied by cough, congestion, sinus and throat pain. There are locations throughout the Valley, including one at 5018 N. 7th St. For more information, visit urgentcare.bannerhealth.com.
