Flu Information
The flu is a contagious viral infection. It may involve any or all parts of the respiratory system such as the 
lungs, throat and nose. It is spread when someone who has the flu coughs or sneezes, sending the virus into the air. The vast majority of people who get the flu will recover in a week or so with no complications.
The best way to fight the flu is to know how to manage it and how to keep it from spreading. Spartanburg Regional wants you to know about the flu.
Know the symptoms
The flu differs from the common cold in that the onset of symptoms is not gradual, but sudden. For instance, you may feel fine in the morning, but very sick by the afternoon. Flu symptoms may include:
- Chills
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Weakness/fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Chest pain
Treatment and Prevention
There are a number of steps that can be taken to help reduce flu symptoms and control the spread of the virus. People with the flu should get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter medicines can help with aches and fever, coughs and congestion, if they do not conflict with prescribed medications. Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers. Clear liquids and a BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet may help those who are nauseous.
Antibiotics are not useful in treating the flu or other viral infections. They may be used for the treatment of complications of the flu, such as pneumonia, sinus and ear infections. This can be discussed with your primary care physician.
Frequent hand-washing with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, covering your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, or coughing or sneezing into your upper sleeve if you have no tissue are the best ways to prevent the virus from spreading. If you are sick, and you must be around other people, wear a mask to protect others from becoming infected.
Experiencing flu symptoms?
If you think you have the flu, and you are not at high risk for complications and you have mild symptoms, treatment with over-the-counter medications, staying in bed and drinking plenty of liquids will likely help you feel better in a few days.
If you think you have the flu and you are not at high risk, but your symptoms are getting worse even with following the above measures, you may need to make an appointment with your primary care physician. Your own doctor is the best resource you have to diagnose and treat the flu. If you do not currently have a primary care physician, call 864-591-7999, and Regional Nurse On Call will refer you to one.
People at high-risk for the flu
The following people are most susceptible to complications from the flu and should seek treatment from their primary care physician at the onset of severe symptoms (respiratory distress, high fever, or dehydration): pregnant women, children, persons with respiratory complications, persons with weakened immune systems and elderly persons.
Need to see a doctor?
If you need to see a physician after hours or on weekends, go to a Minor Care Center. Minor Care facilities are designed to help with overflow from physician offices and to serve patients after hours and on weekends. They are staffed by highly qualified physicians and other healthcare professionals, and you don’t need an appointment. Please be aware that this time of year, there is often a significant wait. Unless a condition is urgent, patients are seen in the order they arrive. For information about Spartanburg Regional’s Minor Care Centers, or the Pediatric Evening Clinic in Spartanburg, call Regional Nurse On Call at 864-591-7999.
If your symptoms are severe and overwhelming, go to the emergency room. If you require immediate attention, you can receive it at an emergency center. However, if your illness is not life threatening, you could experience a long wait, as emergency patients are seen on the basis of the severity of their condition. In addition to the Emergency Center at Spartanburg Regional, patients can visit the Emergency Department at the Village Hospital in Greer.
For more information
If you have questions about the flu, there are resources for you. DHEC has established a free H1N1 flu hotline that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can access this line by dialing 211. If you have health-related questions, you may call Regional Nurse On Call at 864-591-7999.