Hollywood Walk-In Clinic Flu Treatment & Care

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes these flu prevention suggestions: 

• Get the annual influenza vaccine before peak flu season begins.
• Take everyday precautions like hand washing, surface disinfecting and covering coughs.
• If ill, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Seek medical care promptly if experiencing flu symptoms to inquire about antiviral drugs, which are most effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
• Talk to your doctor about calling in antiviral prescriptions ahead of flu season in case you develop symptoms.
• Those at high-risk for complications should ask their doctor about flu antiviral medications as a protective measure. 

Following CDC guidance reduces your chances of getting and spreading the influenza virus. Partner with Hollywood Walk-In Clinic and your healthcare providers for optimal seasonal flu prevention and prompt treatment if illness strikes.

Flu Causes and Transmission

Influenza viruses represent a diverse family, evolving constantly. Strains include Influenza A, B and C, categorized by protein differences on the viral envelope. The flu spreads easily via:

• Coughing or sneezing droplets in close proximity 
• Touching contaminated objects like doorknobs then face
• Inhaling microbes lingering airborne 
• Sharing food/drinks with someone infectious

Close person-to-person contact promotes transmission. Flu season runs from fall to spring, the flu season peaks from December to February.. You're contagious one day before symptoms show until about a week into the illness. To prevent the spread of illness, it is important to be vigilant. If you experience symptoms of the flu, it is best to stay home to avoid infecting others.

Flu Symptoms

Influenza manifests differently across people depending on factors like age and overall health. Common signs include:

• Sudden high fever and chills or sweating
• Body and muscle aches, headaches
• Fatigue, weakness lasting over a week
• Sore throat, runny or stuffy nose
• Dry cough, chest discomfort, wheezing
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (more common in children)

Monitor symptoms closely, especially breathing problems. Seek medical attention if very high fever or respiratory distress occurs.

Diagnosing the Flu 

Doctors diagnose influenza based on symptoms and sometimes lab tests. Be prepared to discuss:

• Exact symptom onset and length of illness 
• Severity - mild, moderate or severe
• Sick contacts, travel or potential exposure
• Existing medical conditions and medications
• Prior flu vaccination received 

We'll check vital signs like temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation. Swabs of your nasal cavity or throat may undergo PCR testing to confirm influenza and identify the strain. Results inform treatment.

Treating the Flu

Therapies aim to relieve symptoms and accelerate recovery:

• Antiviral medication like Tamiflu is prescribed for high-risk groups or severe illness. Taken very early on, it may shorten duration by about one day.
• Fever/pain reducers such as acetaminophen provide comfort. 
• Decongestants and antihistamines alleviate congestion, runny nose and sneezing.
• Cough suppressants ease dry, hacking coughs. 
• Rest and hydration allows the immune system to focus on fighting infection.

Avoid close contact with others until fever-free for 24 hours without medication. Most recover within 7-10 days with supportive self-care and proper flu treatment from Hollywood Walk-In Clinic.

Preventing the Flu | Hollywood Flu Shots

You can reduce flu risk through: 

• Annual flu shot - get vaccinated before peak flu season each year.
• Frequent hand washing and sanitizing hard surfaces.
• Coughing/sneezing into elbow instead of hands.  
• Avoiding those sick with flu-like symptoms.
• Eating a balanced diet and getting adequate sleep.
• Managing conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease. 

While the flu shot doesn't guarantee 100% immunity, it boosts defenses against circulating strains. High-risk groups like pregnant women, seniors, children and healthcare workers especially need annual vaccination.

Flu Emergency Warning Signs

Seek urgent Hollywood Walk-In Clinic care or call 911 if the flu causes:

• Extreme difficulty breathing, bluish lips or face
• Agitation, confusion or inability to arouse
• Persistent vomiting, dehydration 
• Septic shock symptoms like low blood pressure
• Progressively high fever unresponsive to medicine
• Severe muscle pain or weakness 

Don't delay emergency care if flu symptoms rapidly worsen or become life-threatening. We provide immediate medical intervention for dangerous flu complications.

Urgent Flu Treatment 

Hollywood Walk-In Clinic offers same-day flu treatment without an appointment. At first signs of influenza, we conduct a medical history and exam. Rapid flu testing confirms the diagnosis. Treatment options include:

• Prescribing oral antiviral medication if warranted
• Administering IV fluids or electrolytes for dehydration
• Giving antinausea medicine for severe vomiting/diarrhea
• Monitoring oxygen levels and providing oxygen if low
• Performing chest X-rays to check for pneumonia 
• Providing breathing treatments for wheezing/shortness of breath

We closely monitor seriously ill patients until the infection stabilizes. We'll answer any questions and review home symptom management before discharge.

Where to get your flu protection in Los Angeles County and Hollywood?

Hollywood Walk-In Clinic remains your first line of defense against the flu this season. Visit anytime influenza strikes for prompt and compassionate care!