*Indigo does not currently offer the flu vaccine.
Flu cases are on the rise, and we're seeing more customers visit Indigo with flu-like symptoms. While flu activity can vary from season to season, it's a good reminder to know what symptoms to watch for, how to reduce your risk of illness, and when it's time to seek care.
What are the different types of flu?
There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Of these, influenza A and influenza B cause the vast majority of seasonal flu illnesses in people and are responsible for most flu-related outbreaks each year.
- Influenza A is the most common type of seasonal flu and the one most often associated with widespread outbreaks.
- Influenza B also causes seasonal flu and can lead to symptoms similar to influenza A.
- Influenza C typically causes mild illness and is rarely linked to larger outbreaks.
Most seasonal flu cases are caused by influenza A and influenza B viruses. Both can spread easily and cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
What are the most common symptoms of flu?
Influenza A and B have similar symptoms and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children)
Who is most at risk for flu complications?
Some people are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, including:
- Young children: Children younger than 5 are at higher risk because their immune systems are still developing. Infants younger than 6 months are particularly vulnerable since they are too young to be vaccinated.
- Older adults: Adults 65 and older are more likely to experience severe illness and complications from the flu.
- People who are pregnant: Changes to the immune system during pregnancy can increase the risk of severe flu symptoms.
- People with chronic health conditions: Individuals with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions are more vulnerable to serious flu-related complications.
How can I prevent the flu?
The best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others is to get an annual flu shot. While health care experts typically recommend getting vaccinated in the fall, you can still benefit from the vaccine if flu viruses are circulating in your community.
A flu shot not only lowers your risk of getting sick, but it can also help reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.
You can find a vaccination location near you at vaccines.gov, easyvax.com, or through your state or county health department.
Additional flu-prevention tips include:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue or your elbow.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you're sick.
- Practice healthy habits, including regular physical activity, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep.
When should I get treatment for my flu symptoms?
Most healthy people with mild flu symptoms will get better on their own within a few days. While recovering, it's important to drink plenty of fluids, stay hydrated, and get adequate rest.
Over-the-counter medications may help ease symptoms:
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for body aches, pain, and fever
- Saline nose drops or sprays to loosen mucus
- Cough and sore throat medicines
Important note: Never give aspirin to children under 16 without approval from a health care provider. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers recovering from viral illnesses.
It's important to seek care if:
- Symptoms are severe
- Symptoms are not improving after 7 to 10 days
- You are at higher risk for flu complications
- Symptoms worsen rather than improve
Indigo offers quick care and rapid flu testing
We're seeing an increase in flu cases at Indigo clinics this season. If symptoms strike, all Indigo locations offer rapid flu testing with results available in as little as 20 minutes, helping you get answers and start the right treatment sooner.
Simply walk in, book a same-day or next-day appointment online, or schedule an Indigo Virtual Care visit from the comfort of home. We're here every day from 8 am to 8 pm, including weekends and holidays.
If you're diagnosed with the flu early, one of our clinicians may prescribe antiviral treatment to shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce their severity. For best results, antiviral medications should be started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
When should you seek emergency care for flu?
In some cases, flu complications may require emergency care. Symptoms of a flu-related emergency can look different in children and adults.
For children, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room if your child has:
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- Bluish or gray lips or face
- Chest pain
- Lack of alertness when awake
- Severe muscle pain that prevents walking
- Dehydration
- Seizures
- Fever above 104°F
- Any fever in children younger than 12 weeks
- Symptoms that improve but return with a fever and worsening cough
For adults, seek emergency care if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden or persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to wake
- Little or no urination
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Symptoms that improve but return with a fever and worsening cough
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
