Influenza, also known as (Flu), is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that affects your nose, throat and sometimes lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and in rare cases, it might also lead to death. While it is rare, it is better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to get the flu vaccine each year. Some people might confuse this with the stomach flu but the stomach bug causes diarrhea and vomiting. Most people who get the flu, get better on their own, but as mentioned above it can be deadly at times. Some people are more at risk for the same than the rest like younger children from the age of 12 months or younger. Pregnant women or women who gave birth in the flu season. Adults above the age of 65 are also at risk. People who live or work in facilities with many other residents. People who live or work in facilities with other residents like the nursing home or the military barracks are also at risk. If you have a weakened immune system and a BMI of 40 or higher are also at risk.
Symptoms of Influenza
The symptoms of the flu are no different from the symptoms of the common cold. During a common cold, you may have a runny nose and sore throat but the cold takes time to build up. The only difference between the cold in the flu is that it comes out of nowhere and builds up very quickly. The most common symptoms of the flu are fever and aching muscles, chills and sweats. Other symptoms include headache, dry and persistent cough, and shortness of breath. You will also feel very tired and have a runny and stuffed nose, along with a sore throat and eye pain as well. If you are vomiting and experiencing diarrhea then you go to the doctor immediately. While most of the time the flu goes away on its own, you can treat it at home, many telling signs will reflect where you need serious help. If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, ongoing dizziness, and seizures and you use your pre-existing conditions worsen then you must go to the doctor immediately. In children, you will see that their lips turn grey or blue, dehydrated and they might have nail beds.
Causes of Influenza
The main cause of the flu is viruses. The viruses travel through the air and can infect anybody. It is an easily communicable disease and if you do not cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze, then the bacteria droplets will infect the people who are in your vicinity. It can also be transferred indirectly if they touch an item you may have used or touched yourself like a computer keyboard, and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
People who get the virus may still be contagious after 5-7 days but with children or people with weakened immune systems, it might be longer. This virus is constantly changing and often evolves with new strains appearing often. If you have had influenza in the past then your body already has antibodies equipped against it and can beat the infection even before it affects you. If you get vaccinated then you may be able to beat the new variant of the virus and lessen the severity of the infection. However, over the year, the antibodies may decline and you will affected a lot. Make sure you get vaccinated regularly to avoid the same. The risk factors that make it more likely that you might get the flu are age, pre-existing conditions and a weakened immune system. Your living conditions also affect whether you might catch the flu or not. Some other likely at-risk people are those who use aspirin under the age of 20. If you are a long-term user of aspirin then you are at risk of developing Reye's syndrome if infected with the virus.
There are a few complications that also must be taken into consideration. If you are a young adult then you might not be at risk for serious issues. But if you catch the flu very young then you might develop these issues later on like Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Asthma flare-ups, Heart problems, Ear infections, and Acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Tests and Treatment for Influenza
Your healthcare provider will probably do a physical exam and look for symptoms of flu and possibly order a test that detects influenza. It is quite easy to diagnose, but you might be asked to take a test, there are many to diagnose flu. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is one of the more common ones and it is one of the more sensitive tests that will be able to identify the strain of the virus. Most people can recover from the flu with rest and fluids. If you're high-risk or have a bad case, your doctor might prescribe antiviral. These can shorten your illness and prevent complications but may cause nausea or vomiting, which food can help ease.
Prevention for Influenza
To reduce the chances of getting the flu you must get the annual flu vaccination for everyone age 6 months or older. This year's flu shot protects against 4 common flu strains and comes as a shot or nasal spray (for ages 2-49 with some exceptions). There's even a high-dose version for adults older than 65. There are other generic prevention like washing your hands often with soap and water and avoiding touching your face especially while you are outside. Clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid crowds. If you're sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone to avoid infecting others.
Should everyone get a flu shot?
Yes, the CDC recommends yearly vaccination for ages 6 months
Does the flu shot prevent you from getting the flu?
Can the flu shot protect against serious flu illness and hospitalization?
Is the flu shot effective against all flu strains?
Is there a flu shot option for people with egg allergies?