3 Simple Steps If You Catch the Flu

By a Family Health & Urgent Care Physician

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have severe symptoms or belong to a high‑risk group, seek immediate care.

A note from your medical team at Marpeh Urgent Care Every winter, our clinic on Milwaukee Ave sees how quickly influenza moves through families in Niles, Morton Grove, and Des Plaines. Knowing what to do in the first 24–48 hours makes a meaningful difference for your recovery. Here are the three practical steps we teach our patients during flu season.

Step 1 — Recognize the Symptoms Early Flu tends to start suddenly

If you are searching for “urgent care near me” because of a rapid onset of fever, chills, or body aches, you are likely dealing with the flu rather than a common cold.

Flu tends to start suddenly. Common signs include:

• Fever or chills, often with a rapid onset
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue
• Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

These features distinguish flu from a typical cold, which usually builds gradually and is milder. Early recognition helps you take appropriate precautions and avoid exposing others.

Sources: CDC—Flu overview & symptoms, MedlinePlus—Influenza

Step 2 — Stay home and take care (the first 24 hours matter)

If you think you have the flu:

• Stay home until you are fever‑free for at least 24 hours without fever‑reducing medication.
• Rest and hydrate: Water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions help offset fluid loss from fever and breathing faster.
• Practice “respiratory etiquette”: Cover coughs/sneezes, dispose of tissues promptly, and avoid close contact—especially with infants, pregnant people, and older adults.
• Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently (20 seconds with soap and water) or use an alcohol‑based sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

These simple behaviors are proven to reduce spread in households and workplaces.

Sources: CDC—Healthy habits to prevent flu

Step 3 — Know When Flu Symptoms Require Emergency Care (Call 911 or ER)

Most flu illnesses are self‑limited. However, call 911 or go to the ER immediately if you experience:

• Shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, or bluish lips
• Persistent high fever or fever that returns after improving
• Severe weakness, confusion, or difficulty staying hydrated
• You are pregnant, ≥65 years, a child <5, or have asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease—these groups face a higher risk of complications

Urgent care offices are not equipped to see patients with emergent conditions like the ones described above. The following situations can be life‑threatening and require complex and prompt care at an emergency room/hospital: chest pain, confusion or bluish lips, or anything with the word “severe.”

Why Vaccination Matters (and why to do it now)

Annual flu vaccination is the single most important action to reduce your risk of severe illness. Here’s why physicians emphasize it:

• Prevention first: Vaccination lowers your chance of getting sick and reduces community spread—especially in homes, schools, and offices.
• Protection against complications: Even if you do catch the flu, being vaccinated is associated with milder disease and fewer hospitalizations.
• Safeguards for loved ones: It helps protect children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with chronic conditions who are more vulnerable to pneumonia and other complications.
• Updated each season: The vaccine composition is revised annually to match circulating strains; peak activity commonly occurs between December and February, so vaccination in winter still helps.