Flu

Flu, ‘aka Influenza’, is a medical condition that is a viral infection. The virus essentially attacks your respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. Furthermore, the Flu often goes away on its own for most people.. Those who are more likely to experience flu complications include:

• Children
• Adults over the age of 65
• Pregnant women
• Individuals have a weakened immune system
• People are suffering from obesity

It is also essential to note that the general ‘Flu’ is not the same as the stomach ‘Flu’, which causes symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting. Here is the presenting everything that you need to know about Influenza.

What are the typical Signs and Symptoms of the Flu?

On getting the Flu, the first thing you may get is a common cold comprising of sore throat, sneezing, and runny nose. Also, you must remember that the cold develops slowly, but the Flu settles in your body quickly. Some other signs and symptoms include the following:

1. Pain in the eyes
2. Muscle ache
3. Persistent cough
4. Shortness of Breath
5. Chills and sweats
6. Vomiting
7. Diarrhoea
8. Sore throat

Do you know what type of Diagnosis/Treatment is needed to manage Flu?

There are two ways in which you can treat or manage Flu. They are via the use of medicines and home-based solutions.

Medications: An antiviral medication may be recommended by your doctor to treat any form of Flu. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir are other examples of these medications. In addition, these medications could suppress your illness and help you avoid serious complications.

Also, Oseltamivir is mainly used orally in the treatment of Flu. Anyone with certain chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma and lung illness, should not use zanamivir, which is inhaled using a device resembling an asthma inhaler.

Nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of antiviral medications. These adverse effects may mitigate if the medication is taken with food.

Amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine) are older antiviral medications that are no longer advisable for use and are no longer effective against the majority of influenza viruses that are currently circulating.

Additionally, to treat the achiness brought on by Influenza, you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Home-based Solutions:

You can take specific measures to drive Flu away from your body and keep it at bay. They are as follows:

Get Rest:

If you get the Flu, ensure that you rest up and sleep well to enable your immune system to fight the infection. However, as per your symptoms, you need to decide the amount of rest you need.

Fluid Intake:

Also, it would help to drink plenty of juice, water, and warm soups to avoid dehydration.

More importantly, it is advisable to stay at home and keep children suffering from Flu at home for at least twenty-four hours after the fever has subsided to help prevent the spread of Influenza in your neighbourhood. Until you start feeling better, please stay away from other people unless you receive medical attention. Furthermore, please wear a face mask if you must leave your home to receive medical attention, and regularly wash your hands.

Are you aware of when you need to see a doctor for Flu?

Most people who get the Flu can treat it at home and rarely require medical attention.

However, you will need to consult your doctor as soon as possible if you have flu symptoms that may lead to complications. In addition, you can help us with antiviral medication to shorten the duration of your illness and help you avoid more severe issues.

Also, ensure you get medical attention if you exhibit severe flu symptoms. More importantly, adults may experience the following emergency symptoms and signs that you may have to look out for:

1. Pain in the chest
2. Seizures
3. Frequent dizziness
4. Deterioration of flu symptoms
5. Severe weakness or pain

There are also some signs and symptoms in children that you need to look out for. They are:

1. Blue lips
2. Serious muscle pain
3. Difficulty in breathing
4. Dehydration
5. Seizures

How long does the Flu generally last?

It takes around five days for the majority of flu symptoms to subside. However, occasionally they can continue for a week or longer. You may feel exhausted for a few weeks, even after your fever and symptoms.

Do you know how you get the Flu?

Flu can spread through coughing or sneezing, releasing virus-filled droplets you breathe. If your mouth, nose, or eyes come in contact with a surface where the virus has already made contact, then it could also get infected. More importantly, individuals spend more time indoors and near one another throughout the winter, and the flu virus transmits more readily and is, therefore, more prevalent during this season.

Conclusion:

Flu is a medical condition that tends to affect your respiratory system and is caused by a virus. Furthermore, it is generally spread via the air and is very contagious. Regarding age demographics, Flu generally tends to affect older adults sixty-five years and above and children.

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