Holidays are here, which means a lot of time spent celebrating family celebrations, but it also means peak virus season. The virus spreads more rapidly during the fall and early winter, which is why it is commonly referred to as the cold and flu seasons. It’s important to keep up to date to know what viruses are out there this time of year. These are some of the most common viral diseases that you may be at risk of catching.

 

Influenza

Influenza, or influenza, is in full swing. The peak flu season varies slightly each year, but the expert recommends that you get your flu shot for best protection during the fall. If you haven’t earned your vaccine yet, it’s not too late! It’s better to protect yourself than not at all. Symptoms of flu often include fatigue, muscle aches, vomiting, fever, cough, and nasal congestion. In general, the flu can be treated without hospitalization as long as the treatment is prompt and you stay hydrated.

 

The Common Cold  

There is no vaccine to protect against common colds, but you can reduce your risk of getting it by washing your hands regularly and paying close attention to your hygiene during the fall and winter. The common cold has the same symptoms as the flu, without nausea and vomiting. The common cold should be resolved with just over – the-counter treatment within 3-5 days.If symptoms last longer than that, in addition to the cold, you may have developed a sinus or ear infection.

 

Rota Virus

Rota is an example of a gastrointestinal virus. The virus has only gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and extreme abdominal cramping. Persons who acquire this or other gastrointestinal diseases can become dehydrated quickly, so it is important to seek medical treatment right away.

 

 Getting Treated With Us  

Whether you suspect that you have one or more of these viral diseases, you should seek immediate medical attention. The local emergency care or walk-in facility is capable of assessing, diagnosing and treating most viral diseases.

Urgent care centers like Today Clinic are ideal because you are in a position to receive the same treatment that you would find in the emergency room at a fraction of the cost and with much shorter waiting times. Your local emergency services may also provide vaccines to help reduce your risk of becoming infected with influenza and other infectious conditions.

It’s not too late in the year to get your flu shot, so stop today and protect yourself!