Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can worsen fast, especially in children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. Understanding early warning signs, causes, and treatment options can help you recover faster and know when emergency care is needed.
Altus Emergency Centers has emergency rooms in Lumberton, Lake Jackson, and Waxahachie, providing fast, compassionate care for patients with severe or persistent flu symptoms. Our medical teams are trained to quickly assess and treat serious flu-related conditions, ensuring you get the care you need without delay.
What Is The Flu?
The flu (influenza) is a contagious viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It typically causes sudden symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, and muscle aches. Seasonal influenza peaks during fall and winter and can vary in severity each year. According to a large U.S. study, the median incidence of symptomatic influenza among all ages was 8.3%, with seasonal variation from 3% to 11.3% based on multiple influenza seasons.
Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms often appear suddenly and are usually more severe than a common cold. They reflect your body’s immune response to the influenza virus and can affect both respiratory and systemic systems. Symptoms often interfere with daily activities and may require medical attention.
- Fever Or Feeling Feverish: A sudden rise in body temperature is common and often accompanied by chills.
- Cough And Sore Throat: Irritation of the airways causes persistent coughing and throat discomfort.
- Runny Or Stuffy Nose: Nasal inflammation leads to congestion and discharge.
- Muscle Or Body Aches: Inflammation in muscles and joints is common.
- Headaches: Moderate to severe head pain may accompany other symptoms.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness is a hallmark of influenza.
- Vomiting Or Diarrhea: More common in children than adults.
What Causes The Flu
The flu is primarily caused by infection with influenza viruses, especially Influenza A and Influenza B, but other factors can increase susceptibility or severity. Understanding these causes helps identify risk factors and when to seek care.
1. Viral Infection (Influenza Viruses)
The main cause of the flu is infection with influenza viruses. Influenza A can infect both humans and animals and is responsible for most seasonal outbreaks and pandemics. Influenza B affects humans only and often causes smaller but still significant epidemics. These viruses invade respiratory cells, replicate rapidly, and trigger the immune response that produces flu symptoms.
2. Weak Immune System & Age Factors
A weakened immune system or age extremes, older adults and young children, can make it harder to fight influenza. Chronic illness, immunosuppressive medications, or natural immune immaturity or decline increases the risk of severe flu. Boosting immunity through vaccination and healthy habits is essential.
3. Chronic Medical Conditions
Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease make it more difficult for the body to fight influenza. Proper management of these conditions can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and complications. These conditions can alter the immune response, making it easier for the influenza virus to replicate and spread in the body.
4. Pregnancy
Pregnancy affects the immune system, lungs, and heart, increasing the risk of serious influenza illness. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy protects both mother and baby from flu-related complications. Hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy can make the body more susceptible to viral infections like influenza.
5. Environmental Exposure
Crowded spaces and close contact with infected individuals increase flu transmission risk. Practicing good hygiene, such as hand washing and avoiding contact with sick individuals, helps reduce exposure. High-density environments provide more opportunities for influenza viruses to spread through respiratory droplets.
6. Seasonal Factors
Flu is most common in fall and winter. Cold, dry air can help viruses survive longer outside the body, and indoor crowding increases exposure. Receiving the annual flu vaccine helps the immune system prepare for circulating strains each season.
7. Poor Sleep And Stress
Lack of sleep and chronic stress weaken the immune system, making infection more likely and symptoms more severe. Prioritizing rest and stress management strengthens immunity and supports recovery. Chronic stress and sleep deprivation can impair immune cell function, making viral infections easier to establish.
8. Other Health Risks
Certain medications, obesity, and chronic respiratory conditions can increase susceptibility and severity of flu symptoms. Awareness and proactive care can help mitigate these risks. Some medications and underlying conditions can affect the body’s natural defenses, allowing the influenza virus to cause more severe illness.
Flu vs COVID: Key Differences
Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses but caused by different viruses. They share symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, yet COVID-19 can also cause loss of taste or smell and may lead to more severe complications.Knowing the differences helps you seek care promptly.
| Feature | Flu | COVID-19 |
| Virus | Influenza | SARS-CoV-2 |
| Incubation | 1–4 days | 2–14 days |
| Common Symptoms | Fever, cough, fatigue, body aches | Fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste/smell |
| Severity | Usually mild to moderate | Can be severe; higher complication risk |
| Prevention | Flu vaccine, hygiene | COVID vaccine, hygiene, masks |
Can The Flu Be Dangerous?
Most cases of flu improve with rest and supportive care. However, understanding the dangers of the flu is important, as it can become serious, especially for high-risk individuals or when symptoms worsen quickly. Knowing when symptoms escalate helps you recognize when it’s time to seek medical care.
High-Risk Groups
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to severe flu complications, including pregnant women, older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems. These groups should monitor symptoms closely and seek care earlier if concerns arise.
When Symptoms Escalate
Seek medical attention if flu symptoms worsen instead of improving, or if any of the following warning signs develop:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion, dizziness, or difficulty waking
- High fever that does not respond to medication
Why ER Care May Be Needed
Severe flu symptoms can indicate complications such as pneumonia, dehydration, or respiratory distress. Emergency care allows for rapid evaluation, close monitoring, and timely treatment to prevent serious outcomes. If you experience these warning signs, contact Altus Emergency Centers in Lumberton, Lake Jackson, or Waxahachie for urgent evaluation.
How To Treat The Flu
Treatment focuses on reducing symptom severity, supporting the immune system, and preventing complications. Early intervention improves comfort and can shorten the illness. Flu treatment options include:
- Antiviral Medications: Most doctors recommend oseltamivir (Tamiflu), baloxavir (Xofluza), or zanamivir (Relenza) for high-risk patients or those with moderate to severe symptoms. These are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Fever Reducers & Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help relieve fever, headaches, and body aches.
- Hydration: Drinking water and electrolyte-rich fluids prevents dehydration and supports recovery.
- Rest: Adequate sleep allows the body to fight the virus efficiently.
- Cough & Congestion Remedies: Decongestants and cough suppressants can ease respiratory discomfort.
- Warm Flu Fluids & Comfort Measures: Warm teas, broths, and humidifiers soothe sore throats and ease congestion.
Also Read: Flu Remedies
Altus Emergency Centers: Expert Care For The Flu
Flu symptoms can escalate quickly, especially in high-risk individuals or those with chronic health conditions. At Altus Emergency Centers, our skilled medical team is ready to evaluate patients promptly, ensuring that severe flu cases receive the urgent attention they need. Early assessment prevents complications and reassures families.
Our emergency rooms are equipped to handle all levels of influenza-related illness. From rapid testing to advanced monitoring, Altus Emergency Centers provides comprehensive emergency care to help manage flu symptoms effectively and safely. Seeking prompt care allows our team to guide treatment and support a faster, more comfortable recovery.