Feeling sick at this point in the cold and flu season is pretty common. We have seen a rise in many viral illnesses this year, so it should be no surprise if you wake up with a sore throat or a fever at least once before spring comes around.

Viral infections tend to spike in the fall and winter months due to all of the extra time we are spending together indoors. Check out our AFC Urgent Care Sevierville team’s latest blog below to learn more about what to expect from an infection.

How Do Infections Make You Sick?

Infections are caused by a germ exposure of some sort. If you are exposed, your body could either fight it off by activating your immune system, or the germ could grow and multiply. If it multiples and starts to spread, you will have become infected and will start to experience symptoms pretty quickly.

Common symptoms to start are a sore throat, runny nose and cough. You may also have pain at the site of the infection, like with strep throat or an ear infection. Some infections can make you feel really sick quickly, or they can cause mild symptoms over the course of a few days. In either case, keep an eye on how you feel to gauge whether or not a visit to us is warranted.

Common Ways Germs Are Spread

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Contact with contaminated surfaces
• Long-term contact with infected people

What Is the Best Way to Treat an Infection?

Receiving the proper diagnosis is crucial when it comes to choosing a treatment plan. Not all infections can be treated the same way, so when you start feeling sick, come see us! We have a variety of rapid tests that we can run to determine what you are suffering from in as little as 15 minutes.

While bacterial infections respond well to antibiotics, viral infections do not. If we determine you have a viral infection, we can offer you some recovery tips to help reduce your symptoms while you wait out the infection. The best way to aid in your recovery is to drink fluids, eat well and get a lot of rest.

Ward Off Illness This Year

• Avoid people who are sick.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Stay up to date on the recommended vaccination schedule.

Are you feeling ill? Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Sevierville for a diagnosis and treatment plan today.