Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is caused by a virus. It is important to note that the flu virus is different from the viruses that cause the “stomach flu,” which leads to symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting.
Generally, there are no medical interventions required to recover from the flu. However, in some conditions, flu and flu-related complications can be fatal. Precautions for seasonal flu infection prevention include having a flu vaccination every year. Although the vaccine is not fully effective in being complete-proof, it significantly reduces the chances of developing serious complications, particularly in individuals who are at an increased risk.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are other preventive measures you can take to lower the chances of flu infection. These include regularly disinfecting surfaces, washing your hands frequently, and ensuring good airflow in your environment.
what are the causes of flu?
- Influenza is caused by viruses that are passed from person to person through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
- You can either breathe in these droplets directly or pick up the virus by touching contaminated surfaces, such as a computer keyboard, and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- People who have the flu can spread the virus from about one day before symptoms start until 5 to 7 days after becoming ill.
- Some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems, might be contagious for longer periods of time.
- The influenza viruses are constantly changing by mutation, and new strains are constantly emerging.
what are the Symptoms of flu?
- Flu viruses spread at high levels during certain times of the year in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres; periods known as “flu seasons.” In North America, flu season typically runs from October to May.
- The flu often begins suddenly, within 2 to 3 days of exposure to the virus, and commonly starts with a sore throat or a runny or stuffy nose, similar to other viruses, such as the common cold. But the flu is usually much more severe.
Other common flu symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Sweating and chills
Flu symptoms in children can include being more fussy or irritable. They also are more likely to have:
- Ear pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Some people may also have eye pain, watery eyes, or light sensitivity.
what are the Risk factors of flu?
a. Age
Young children less than 2 years of age and adults over age 65 are at increased risk for complications of flu.
b. Living Situations
People who live in facilities where lots of others live, such as nursing homes are more likely to get the flu.
c. Weakened Immune System
A person whose immune system is weakened by sickness or treatment, such as cancer.
d. Chronic Illnesses
The presence of the following conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, history of stroke, lung diseases, kidney, liver, and blood disorders raises complications due to flu.
e. Race or Ethnicity
In the U.S., it is believed that Native American, Alaska Native, Black, and Latino people may be more likely to have flu-related hospitalizations.
f. Aspirin Therapy
Individuals on long-term aspirin therapy, generally children, are at risk for Reye’s syndrome after flu illness.
f. Pregnancy
People who are pregnant have a higher risk of flu complications during their second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Obesity: People with a body mass index of 40 or higher are at higher risk of flu complications.
How to do Diagnosis of flu?
Flu can be diagnose from the symptoms and conformation can be done with the help of mucus which is taken from nose.
Procedure
- Testing Process: A sample is obtained by inserting a soft-tipped swab into the nostril by your provider.
- Results: You can observe the result within a few minutes, or in a few cases, you will be sent to the laboratory for testing, and results can be viewed in one or two days.
what are the complications of the flu ?
a. Mild Flu: In most people who are otherwise young and healthy, the flu is not serious; symptoms will resolve after a week or two with no long-term effects.
b. High-Risk Complications: Complications from the flu can occur in high-risk groups following an initial bout of the flu.
c. Possible Infections: Possible complications include secondary infections like croup, sinus or ear infections, and lung infections.
d. Cardiovascular Complications: Sometimes, influenza causes infections of the heart muscle or the lining of the heart.
e. Central Nervous System: In rare cases, influenza may cause infection in the central nervous system.
Other Severe Complications:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Muscle damage-rhabdomyolysis or muscle inflammation-myositis
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Worsening of underlying chronic conditions such as asthma or kidney disease
When to seek help?
Emergency Symptoms – Adults:
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Dizziness that won’t quit
- Trouble waking up
- Dehydration
- Seizures
- Increasing worsening of your medical condition
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
Emergency Symptoms – Children:
In addition to the symptoms above, children may exhibit the following:
- Rapid breathing or noticeable chest retraction with each breath
- Gray or blue discoloration of the lips or nail beds
- No tears when crying, dry mouth, and less frequent urination Symptoms such as fever or cough that get better, then come back or worsen.
How to prevent flu?
- Get the Flu Vaccine: The best way to limit risk is through vaccination against the flu each year. It’s available as a shot and as a nasal spray. Because the virus changes from year to year, vaccination occurs yearly.
- Wash Hands Frequently: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Avoid Close Contact When Sick: Avoid others when sick and avoid contact with others who are sick.
- Wear a Mask if Needed: If you are sick and need to be around others, consider wearing a mask to reduce spreading germs.
- Avoid touching your face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with your hands to avoid giving entry to the germs into your body.
- Don’t share food or utensils: Avoid sharing food, utensils, or cups to reduce the passing of germs.
What are Home Remedies for Flu?
- Rest and fluids: Rest a lot and keep hydrated by drinking fluids, such as water, herbal teas, or broth.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: OCT include self-prescribed pain relievers that could help alleviate the symptoms, especially fever and headache.
- Steam or humidifiers: Ease nasal congestion by using a humidifier or taking a warm shower to help soothe a sore throat.
- Saline nasal spray: It may help alleviate congestion and/or reduce nasal irritation.
How to recover from the Flu Faster?
- Early start of treatment: Antiviral medications taken within the first 48 hours can help lessen the severity and duration of the flu.
- Rest and hydration: Proper rest and hydration are required to let your body recover.
- Avoid others: Don’t spread the virus around, and give your body a break by resting at home.
What are the medicines used to treat flu?
- Antiviral medications: Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), if prescribed, may help lessen the severity and duration of symptoms. These are most effective when started within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
- Over-the-counter medications: ( OTC ) may help diminish fever and discomfort with pain relievers containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For other symptoms, decongestants or cough syrups may help with symptoms of the flu.
