Flu (Influenza) Treatment in Northern New Jersey
Influenza is one of the most common viral illnesses in America. Many patients consider it a minor concern. To others, however, it can be life-threatening. Bergen Medical Associates is a multi-specialty medical practice located in northern New Jersey, providing treatment for many conditions. Our internal medicine specialists deliver diagnosis and flu treatment, helping patients recover quickly and avoid complications.
What Is Flu, or Influenza?
Influenza is a common viral condition. While commonly called the flu, it differs from the stomach “flu” viruses that cause nausea and vomiting. Instead, influenza is respiratory. This means it primarily affects the respiratory system.
Influenza is among the most common American diseases. About 20 to 40 million people catch influenza each year. Most of these cases occur during “flu season” when flu cases increase dramatically. Flu season typically extends between October and May in the Northern Hemisphere, with the highest number of cases appearing between December and February.
What Are Flu Symptoms?
Influenza is a respiratory illness, so its symptoms affect the respiratory system. This includes the lungs, throat, nose, and sinuses. Patients also may feel an effect elsewhere in their body as loss of breath interferes with other functions. Symptoms often come on quickly and with high intensity. They often include:
- Fever
- Muscle soreness
- Chills or sweats
- Headache
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Persistent coughing
- Sore throat
- Eye pain
In most cases, these are the only symptoms a patient will experience. Some, however, may have more serious problems. Patients should get medical care immediately if they have any of these emergency symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
- Seizures
- Worsening of other medical conditions
Influenza symptoms are very similar to those caused by other infections, including the common cold and COVID-19. Because these conditions are treated using different medications, an accurate diagnosis is essential. The only way to distinguish between these conditions is with a medical test. People should get tested at the first sign of these symptoms to make sure they receive the right treatment.
Who Is at Risk for Complications from the Flu?
People with pre-existing health conditions, however, are at risk of complications. The following conditions and circumstances are risk factors:
- Asthma, COPD, or another chronic lung disease
- A history of kidney or liver disease
- A history of stroke or other neurological or heart disease
- Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease
- Conditions that interfere with muscle function
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune diseases
- Weakened immune system from cancer or a suppressive medication
- Pregnancy
- Obesity, or a BMI of 40 or higher
- Age under 5 or over 65
- Living in a long-term care facility
Patients with these conditions or in these circumstances are more likely to experience severe or emergency symptoms with influenza. They also may face complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, or respiratory distress. Many of these complications can be life-threatening and require hospitalization.
How Is Influenza Diagnosed?
Flu is primarily diagnosed with a swab test. Healthcare practitioners will use a long instrument with a soft tip, or swab, to take a sample of mucus from the patient’s nose. This sample can then be tested for pathogens. The results may take only a few minutes, or the practitioner may send the sample to an on-site diagnostic laboratory for in-depth analysis. Lab results may take a day or two to confirm a diagnosis.
The swab test is used to check for virus particles in the mucus membrane. The particles may be growing in the nose and throat, or they may have been coughed up from the lungs. This test also is effective for diagnosing the common cold and COVID-19, making it a good way to rule out possibilities and determine which treatment is appropriate.
What Are Treatment Options for the Flu?
If a patient exhibits severe symptoms, has an underlying condition that may cause complications, or lives with people at risk, antiviral medication may be prescribed. Antivirals slow the infection and reduce the risk of severe illness. In many cases, however, antivirals are not necessary. Most cases of influenza get better by themselves. In the meantime, the following steps can reduce the impact of symptoms:
- Plenty of rest
- Increased fluid intake
- Heat therapy to relieve aching muscles
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Spray or oral decongestants
- Cough suppressants and expectorants
The most effective flu treatment is prevention. Annual flu vaccines train the immune system to recognize and combat infection before symptoms appear. Vaccines are available as injections and spray mists.
Find Influenza Treatment Today at Bergen Medical Associates
For patients experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection, prompt medical attention can prevent complications. Bergen Medical Associates provides flu treatments from locations across northern New Jersey, including Emerson, Montvale, Northvale, Paramus, and Ridgewood. Contact us to learn more about flu and influenza services or to request an appointment.
