Virtual care services are open 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm weekends.
Oct 3, 2023
5 minute read
by MD Connected
Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a common illness that many experience in their lifetime. It is a contagious, viral infection that adapts and mutates quickly. This is why a new flu shot is created and recommended each year.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IT’S INFLUENZA?
Influenza is a contagious illness that causes respiratory illness in the nose, throat and lungs. It is different than Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, which may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza symptoms are usually more severe than the common cold and may include:
Fever and chills
Sore throat
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Headaches
Influenza symptoms are very abrupt and can last for up to a week, whereas common cold symptoms will appear gradually. You will normally recover on your own after contracting the flu, however, there are some people that may develop more severe cases and complications.
Young children under 5, adults older than 65, pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or kidney or heart disease are all at higher risk of complications when contracting the flu. Ensuring that you receive an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the virus.
If you are concerned about flu symptoms that are lasting longer than a week, book a virtual appointment with one of our doctors.
INFLUENZA MYTH BUSTING!
1. Going outside with wet hair or without a coat will make you sick.
This is a myth! Common colds and Influenza are viral infections. You’ll often catch influenza from another person who is infected. Coughing, sneezing or even just speaking can cause the virus to spread through the air and you will catch it by breathing it in.
2. Chicken noodle soup will cure your flu symptoms.
While it won’t completely cure your symptoms, it will definitely help! It’s easy to become dehydrated when ill. The chicken broth will help you ingest more liquid which will help your body fight dehydration and support optimal immune function. The heat and salt from the broth can also alleviate congestion and soothe a sore throat.
3. Influenza is not a serious virus.
Influenza is less serious now that we have the science to fight it with annual vaccinations, but it can still cause life-threatening complications. As many as 650,000 people can die each year due to Influenza. Receiving the vaccine is recommended to protect yourself and your family from complications.
HOW COVID-19 IMPACTED INFLUENZA
Historically, Influenza cases begin in Autumn, usually during the month of October, and start to decline by the end of February. However, this March, April and May have seen more cases than usual. Doctors and scientists are speculating that one of the reasons this unusual flu period may be happening is due to COVID-19. Many measures were in place over the last two years to prevent the spread of COVID-19. COVID-19 and Influenza are both viral infections, so masks, hand washing, and hand sanitizer were able to effectively prevent the spread of annual Influenza as well. The beginning of 2022 saw COVID-19 restrictions lifted throughout the country giving Influenza an opportunity to begin spreading through public spaces again.
If you are having symptoms that you wish to discuss with a doctor, book an appointment on our website.
MD CONNECTED: VIRTUAL PRESCRIPTIONS IN TORONTO
MD Connected Ltd. can help you save time and energy when you book an online doctor’s appointment. After the appointment, if necessary, a virtual prescription by one of our Canadian doctors will be sent directly to your pharmacy.
MD Connected Ltd. is led by a diverse team of doctors with varying backgrounds and provides its services in multiple languages. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians have used MD Connected for general consultations, prescription renewals, sexual health, mental wellness, travel health, sick notes and forms, and more.
To learn more about MD Connected Ltd., contact us by visiting www.mdconnected.ca or e-mail us at mydoc@mdconnected.ca.
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