When your respiratory system-nose, throat and lungs are affected by a viral infection, then you are suffering from Influenza. Influenza is also known as Flu, but it is not the same as the stomach flu which will cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Though in most cases influenza resolves naturally or with minimum medication, but in many cases, it can be deadly as well. The people who can develop a higher risk of complications in influenza are:
- Children under the age of 5, and especially those under the age of 6 months
- Adults above 65 years of age
- People who are involved in care facilities like hospitals and nursing homes
- Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth to a child
- People who have a weak immune power
- People with chronic diseases like asthma, heart diseases, lung infection, liver disease, kidney disease or diabetes
- Obese people
Common symptoms of Influenza
In the beginning, the flu will feel like common cold with symptoms like runny nose, cough, sneezing or sore throat. But the cold will develop very slowly and the flu will come suddenly after two or three days. At that point of time, you will feel much more irritated. The common signs and symptoms for influenza are:
- Fever
- Muscle ache
- Sweating and chilling
- Trembling
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Eye pain
- Body ache
- Fatigue
How the flu spreads?
Scientists and the doctors say that the virus of influenza mainly spreads through the tiny droplets when a person affected with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in other person’s mouth or noses who are nearby. In other way, the flu can also get transmitted if a person touches a surface or object which has flu virus on it, and then touches mouth, nose or eyes.
Duration of the contagiousness
- People who are affected with flu are the most contagious in the initial 3-4 days of the illness
- Children and people with weak immune system can infect others for a longer time
- Healthy adults can infect others one day before the symptoms arrive or 5-7 days after the illness
When you need to visit a doctor?
Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home with mild medication and they often do not need to visit a clinic also. But, if your flu symptoms are complicated and is taking much longer time to get cures, it is very important to consult a doctor and visit a clinic. There are certain complicated emergency symptoms, which if seen, you need to visit a clinic and check with the doctor immediately. The emergency critical symptoms are:
- Chest pain
- Breathing problem
- Seizures
- Ongoing dizziness
- Dehydration
- Blue lips
Complications with Influenza
The flu will not be a serious issue if you are young and healthy. Though it feels miserable and irritable when one has it, but the flu usually goes away in a week or two with no lasting effects. But children and adults over 65 might develop certain complications if not treated properly or taken it seriously. The complications which might occur later with influenza are:
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Ear infections
- Respiratory distress
- Lungs infection
- Heart problems
- Laryngitis
Vaccines for Influenza
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) always recommend to take an annual flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months or adult. The vaccine will make your immunity stronger and will reduce the risk of the flu and its severity. It will protect you and will help you to get well on its own even if you have flu, rather than going to a hospital.
How to keep yourself safe during the flu season?
- Avoid large crowd: Avoiding large crowd can be very difficult in most of the times, but its crucial during this season especially when COVID 19 pandemic is still on. If you can limit contact with people, then you can reduce your risk of getting the infection. The flu spreads very easily in confined places like office, school, colleges, social gathering, hospitals etc.
- Wash your hands regularly: The flu virus lives even on objects or surfaces. It can get transmitted if you touch the surface and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. Hence, get into the habit of washing hands properly. This is more important during preparing or eating food. Always wash your hand after using the washroom. Carry a bottle of sanitizer, and sanitize your hands often when you do not have soap and water.
- Strengthen your immune system: Strengthening your immune system is another way to fight against the flu virus. If you have a strong immune system, then you can easily fight with the virus. To build your immunity it is very important to have a sound sleep of 7-9 hours at night. Maintain a regular physical activity. Drink lots of water. Follow a nutrient rich diet. Reduce the intake of sugar, junk food and fatty food. Include vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking not only affects your lungs and gives you cancer, but it also instigates the influenza as well. There are evidences which shows that people who smoke get affected easily with flu more than the non-smokers.
Are Influenza and Covid 19 same?
Though Influenza and Covid 19 are both contagious respiratory diseases, but the viruses for both are different. Covid 19 is caused by coronavirus where as flu is caused by Influenza viruses. Though Covid 19 spreads more easily than Influenza.
Compared to Influenza, Covid 19 is much deadlier. Covid 19 take longer before people come up with the symptoms and people remain contagious for longer period.
What to do if you have flu?
Most people who are having seasonal flu, do not require to visit a hospital until and unless is very serious. In most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with people. Contact your health care provider, if you are at higher risk group. Consult your doctor, if you need to take any anti-viral medicines. These drugs will help you to recover fast and may also prevent serious complications. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you have cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in a dust bin. Even when you are fully recovered with no fever and cough, stay at home for 24 hours to check if it persists or again arrives.
How to take care of people who are having flu?
- Avoid being face to face with the person who is suffering from flu
- Try to spend least amount of time with the affected person
- Make sure you wash your hands before and after touching the affected person, especially after handling their tissues and laundry
Hope this article gives you a clear idea about what Influenza is all about and how you can prevent it and even take care if you are affected.
