Flu Services

Flu symptoms typically show up one to four days after the flu virus enters your body.

• Fever
• Chills or body aches
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Headache

If you’re sick, avoid contact with others. Healthy adults infected with flu can pass along the virus one day before symptoms develop and up to seven days after becoming sick. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be infectious for a longer time.

Many adults feel better in a week or two, while others—including small children, older adults, and people with chronic illness—may take longer to recover.

1. Get a flu shot – The best way to prevent the flu is through a vaccine. You can receive a vaccine from your primary care provider or at another Bronson location.
2. Wash your hands frequently – Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, or clean with an alcohol-based gel or foam.
3. Avoid touching your face – Germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Avoid close contact with others who may be sick – Flu is most often spread person-to-person. People with flu can spread it to others up to six feet away.
5. Live a healthy lifestyle – Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and drink water to support your immune system.

If you start experiencing flu-like symptoms (including fever, chills, cough, or shortness of breath), stay home, drink fluids, get rest, avoid contact with other people, and take one of the following next steps:

1. Call a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788
2. Do a BronsonConnect Video Visit
3. Contact your primary care provider by phone or through Bronson MyChart

Those at high risk for flu complications include adults over the age of 65, children younger than 5, pregnant people, and people with chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and HIV. High-risk patients should contact their healthcare provider at the first signs of flu symptoms.

The hospital is intended for those who are very sick. You should not go to the hospital if you are only mildly ill.

If warning signs of flu complications appear, call 911. Warning signs include: trouble breathing, bluish skin color, inability to eat or drink, unresponsiveness, sudden dizziness, confusion, or symptoms that improve and then return. Additional warning signs in children include: no tears when crying, significantly fewer wet diapers than normal, or fever with a rash.