Cold & Flu

A common cold can be annoying and the flu can be life-threatening and lead to severe complications in children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. 

We provide proactive and reactive medical care for colds and the flu. If you have concerns or questions, start by booking your consultation online or calling the office today.

What is the flu?

Influenza is a viral infection. The flu attacks your respiratory system and can resolve on its own in some cases. Sometimes, the flu can be life-threatening and lead to complications, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, older adults, and younger children.

Those with chronic medical conditions like kidney and heart disease, asthma, and diabetes also have an increased risk of developing complications from the flu.

The best preventive care method to protect you against the flu is your annual flu vaccination. Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months.

The symptoms of the flu vary but can include:

  • Nasal congestion and running nose
  • Sneezing and sore throat
  • Tight chest and chest pain
  • A mild headache or slight body aches
  • Fever, Sweats, chills, and increased temperature sensitivity
  • A headache and general weakness
  • A persistent cough

What is a cold?

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (throat and nose). It’s typically harmless and most people recover within a week to 10 days. If symptoms don’t improve, make an appointment for diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your symptoms.

Symptoms of a common cold include:

  • Runny, stuffy nose, and or congestion
  • A sore throat
  • A cough
  • A mild headache or slight body aches

Flu Shots

Influenza (flu) vaccines (often called “flu shots”) are vaccines that protect against the four influenza viruses that research indicates most common during the upcoming season. Most flu vaccines are “flu shots” given with a needle, usually in the arm.

Medical Treatment

To treat the flu, Dr. Fowler might recommend medical monitoring, plenty of hydration, and certain medications, such as antiviral medications, pain relievers, decongestant nasal sprays, and cough syrups.

Emergency Questions

Call a doctor or get to a doctor right away. Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when you got the flu shot.

Research Professionals

In addition, it’s important to remember that flu vaccine protects against three or four different viruses and multiple viruses usually circulate during any one season.

Key Benifits

Influenza (flu) vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary. The protection provided by a flu vaccine varies from season to season and depends in part on the age and health status of the person getting the vaccine and the similarity or “match” between the viruses in the vaccine and those in circulation. During years when the flu vaccine match is good, it is possible to measure substantial benefits from flu vaccination in terms of preventing flu illness and complications. However, the benefits of flu vaccination will still vary, depending on characteristics of the person being vaccinated (for example, their health and age), what influenza viruses are circulating that season and, potentially, which type of flu vaccine was used. For more information, see Vaccine Effectiveness – How well does the Flu Vaccine Work. For information specific to this season, visit About the Current Flu Season.

Flu vaccine can be lifesaving in children.
A 2017 study was the first of its kind to show that flu vaccination can significantly reduce a child’s risk of dying from flu.
Can keep you from getting sick with flu.
Flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year.
During seasons when flu vaccine viruses are similar to circulating flu viruses, flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40 percent to 60 percent.
Can protect people around you
Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

Health Tips & Info

Things to consider

Viruses cause colds and the flu, so there is no cure. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

  1. Wash your hands frequently. This will help stop the spread of germs.
  2. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Doing these things helps boost your immune system.
  3. Cough and sneeze into your elbow (rather than your hand). Think about all the germs you can spread if you use your hands!
  4. Clean common surfaces with antibacterial disinfectant. Obvious areas are tables and countertops but don’t forget to clean door handles, light switches and even your child’s toys.

Schedule your
Flu Shot Today!

(540) 217-0911

Emergency Cases

CALL 911 if you develop symptoms requiring emergency assistance.  Signs of serious allergic reactions can include breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness. If they do occur, it is usually within a few minutes to a few hours after receiving the shot.  While severe reactions are uncommon, you should let your doctor, nurse, clinic, or pharmacist know if you have a history of allergy or severe reaction to influenza vaccine or any part of flu vaccine.