This is one of the worst flu seasons in the New York area in recent memory, which is why it’s especially important that if you think you have the flu, seek the best treatment right away. And it’s just as important to choose the right place. Here’s what Mount Sinai Health System recommends:
Contact your primary care provider (your or your family’s regular doctor) as soon as you feel symptoms.
These symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Weakness or extreme fatigue
- Headaches
- Possible vomiting and diarrhea
If you don’t already have a primary care provider, you can find a Mount Sinai Health System doctor and make a same-day appointment here.
If you can’t see your primary care provider, go to an Urgent Care center near you.
There are plenty of Urgent Care centers throughout the New York metropolitan area. This includes the Mount Sinai Urgent Care Center in Union Square as well as four other Mount Sinai urgent care centers through the city. These practices are staffed by Mount Sinai doctors who can see you right away and offer late hours most days of the week.
Use the hospital emergency room only as a last resort.
Emergency rooms are for life-threatening conditions like possible heart attacks, strokes, heavy bleeding, and other severe conditions. Learn more about the difference between urgent care and the Emergency Department here and test your knowledge here.
Don’t visit others in the hospital if you feel unwell yourself.
It’s important for those who believe they may have the flu to avoid visiting relatives or friends who are in the hospital. The elderly and children also should not visit hospitals unless absolutely necessary for their own treatment.
Protect yourself to limit the chances of getting the flu.
It’s not too late to get your flu shot, as this is your best defense. You should also:
- Wash your hands
- Avoid touching your nose or eyes
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs like the flu