If you struggle with a sore throat, body aches, or fatigue, you might have the flu or a flu-like condition. At Houston Medical ER in Houston and Spring, Texas, board-certified and board-eligible physicians, as well as ER-trained registered nurses, diagnose and treat the cause of flu-like symptoms and offer you relief. If you have flu-like symptoms, call Houston Medical ER or simply walk in today – no appointment needed.
The flu is a viral infection that affects your nose, lungs, and throat (your respiratory system). The flu often goes away over time with rest and home care, but sometimes it causes complications, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or ear infections. If you have severe flu-like symptoms or those that don’t resolve on their own, see the providers at Houston Medical ER.
Common symptoms of the flu or flu-like conditions include:
Many of these symptoms are also symptoms of COVID-19, which is a virus similar to the flu that can cause serious complications in certain populations.
You might contract viruses and flu-like symptoms through droplets in the air that form after an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. You might get the flu or COVID-19 because of touching shared surfaces or sharing personal items (cups, utensils, etc.) with an infected person.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer to reduce your risk of getting the flu and keep your distance from people with flu-like symptoms. Consider getting the flu vaccine to further protect you from becoming ill.
To diagnose the cause of flu-like symptoms, your Houston Medical ER provider discusses your symptoms and medical history with you.
They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and use a nasal swab, throat swab, saliva test, blood test, or other diagnostic tests to detect or rule out possible problems. They then develop a personalized treatment plan to minimize your symptoms.
Your treatment plan for flu-like symptoms and their cause depends on the type of illness you have and its severity. Your provider could recommend home remedies, such as rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications. You might need IV hydration, prescription medications, monoclonal antibodies, convalescent plasma, oxygen therapy, or other breathing treatments.
Don’t suffer from flu-like symptoms when simple treatments are within reach. Call Houston Medical ER or simply walk in today.