As many are aware, the beginning of fall also marks the beginning of flu season. Though most people are focusing on COVID-19 and the Delta variant, this doesn’t take away from cases of the flu and many other common illnesses that occurred before the pandemic began. While masks and other preventative measures help keep us safe from getting sick, they are not 100% foolproof.

What Exactly Is the Flu?

With the world’s attention focused on COVID-19, many immediately think they have been infected with the virus whenever they start to feel sick. Symptoms of the flu can appear similar to those of COVID-19, but knowing what they are is the first step to getting a diagnosis. The flu, or influenza, has the following symptoms:

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Headaches
• Body Aches

If you find yourself suffering from any of these symptoms, it is important for you to get the care that you need. Many people do their best to simply tough it out and let their bodies heal on their own, or self-medicate with over-the-counter medications such as DayQuil. But if your symptoms persist or worsen, then it may be time for you to consider getting professional medical help. Going to the emergency room with a simple case of the flu or common cold isn’t the best idea, as the space may be limited, and you would be potentially interfering with someone else’s life-saving treatment. You could also end up waiting to be seen for longer than you’d like to. Luckily, there is a better solution!

How an Urgent Care Center Can Help You

Urgent care centers specialize in quick solutions for sick people. These medical professionals will be able to give you quick, efficient healthcare and ensure that you are healthy without having to bog down your local emergency room. Most people who go to urgent care are able to be taken care of right then and there — around 97% of patients were able to be served at the urgent care facility, while only 3% needed to be transferred to the emergency room, according to C.ymcdn.com. With numbers like that, it’s clear that for most minor illnesses and injuries, an urgent care center is the best option not only for you but your community as well.

If you are in New Jersey and feeling unwell or need medical attention but don’t think you need the emergency room, visit Care Station Medical today for an amazing urgent care center experience!