Flu-like symptoms could be any number of illnesses and viruses, so it’s important to be able to identify what you have and know how to treat it. Symptoms like fever, chills, coughing and/or sneezing, vomiting, body aches, fatigue, and sore throat are all common for the Flu but they are also common across some other illnesses, These symptoms are so common in other viruses and illnesses that it could be any number of things.
Here is a list of illnesses that could be causing you to feel this way during your summer!
The Common Cold
You can get the common cold during the summer too! There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold, however, the viruses are going to differ through each season. The virus that causes a summer cold will more than likely be an enterovirus. These viruses cause sore or itchy throats, coughing, congestion, headache, or mild nausea…very similar to the flu.
To avoid catching a cold, the key is about blocking viral transmission that can occur in saliva or mucus. Be vigilant in remembering to always wash your hands! If you do catch a summer cold, iget rest, drink plenty of fluids and you’ll get to feeling better in no time!
Gastroenteritis
This is often known as the “Stomach Flu,” however, it actually has nothing to do with the Influenza Virus! Gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and cramping. If you’re a healthy adult, gastroenteritis should clear up within a week or two, however, getting gastroenteritis as a baby or as an elderly requires extra caution and medical care.
Anyone can get this disease. People who are at a higher risk include:
- Children in daycare
- Students living in dormitories
- Military personnel
- Travelers
People with immune systems that are weakened by disease or medications or not fully developed (i.e., infants) are usually affected most severely.
So keep washing hands, and make sure to stay away from anyone you know who has “the Stomach Flu.” Also, make sure to disinfect everything that is handled often throughout the day is important such as kitchen surfaces, tables, and doorknobs.
Pneumonia
It’s easy to mix up Pneumonia and the flu since the initial symptoms usually include fever, chills, and headache. While there are other ways to get pneumonia other than a virus; fungi, certain chemicals, or bacteria, the most common is caused by bacteria. Put simply, Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs.
Bacterial Pneumonia, which is the most common form, tends to be more serious than other types of Pneumonia, with symptoms that require medical care. The symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Fever may rise as high as a dangerous 105 degrees F, with profuse sweating and rapidly increased breathing and pulse rate. Lips and nailbeds may have a bluish color due to lack of oxygen in the blood. A patient’s mental state may be confused or delirious.
Pneumonia is a huge risk factor in adults over 65, which is why the CDC recommends anyone over that age gets the Pneumococcal vaccination in order to add protection against the infection. It’s also important to talk to a Medical Provider before coming up with a plan of action if you do get Pneumonia!
All these illnesses can be serious anytime of year. If you need an urgent care house call, give us a call. We will help you get to feeling better in no time!
