Baton Rouge residents have most likely already seen flu shot signs already posted around town. The influenza season is almost upon us and COVID-19 presents more complications than in the past. You may be asking yourself “how can I tell the difference between the Flu and COVID-19?” or “do I need to take additional precautions?”.
COVID-19 and Influenza are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Because the symptoms of both viruses are similar, testing will be pertinent to confirm a diagnosis.
Differences
One primary difference in symptoms between COVID-19 and Flu viruses is that COVID-19 can cause a change in or loss of taste and smell. Furthermore, a person infected with the Flu virus will typically develop symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after infection. COVID-19 symptoms can develop as early as 2 days after infection or as late as 14 days after.
Precautions
Protecting yourself from Influenza includes the current CDC recommendations for COVID-19. Wash hands, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, avoid close contact, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. In addition to these actions, an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against the flu.
Patient Plus Urgent Care is here to protect you and your family this flu season. Walk-in or book an appointment online with any of our locations for your annual flu vaccine.
Patient Plus Urgent Care – Get in, Get better.
When you’re sick or injured, whether routine or urgent, quality medical care should be easy to find and available when you need it. That’s the idea behind Patient Plus Urgent Care, with convenient locations in Baton Rouge, Hammond, Prairieville, & Brusly.
Patient Plus treats most common illnesses and injuries — the sniffles, rashes, fevers, aches, breaks, and other conditions that deserve prompt treatment but aren’t serious enough to require a trip to the nearest emergency room. The clinics provide complete diagnostic services, including X-rays, EKGs, and flu and strep tests. Other services include physicals, vaccinations, and more. Patient Plus clinics are open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and patients never need to call first or make an appointment.