Flu ( influenza) , how to deal with it

 






Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can lead to mild to severe illness, and in some cases, even death. A person can pass it on while talking or through physical contact, such as shaking hands. Understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, undergoing proper diagnosis, receiving appropriate treatment, and taking necessary precautions can significantly contribute to managing and preventing the spread of this infectious disease.

Causes :

Influenza A and influenza B cause seasonal epidemics in the United States and elsewhere every winter. Type C usually causes mild respiratory illness.

Some strains of influenza A, such as the H5N1 “bird flu” virus, occasionally infect humans, causing serious illness. Experts track these strains carefully, as they try to predict how they will change, and how they might affect people.

These viruses can mutate over time, leading to new strains and making flu vaccines less effective against them. The flu is primarily spread through droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.



Symptoms :

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with flu may experience Trusted Source:

a high temperature that lasts 3–4 days

a stuffy or runny nose

cold sweats and shivers

aches that may be severe

a headache

fatigue

Not everyone with flu will have all of these symptoms. For instance, it is possible to have flu without a fever. 

The symptoms of influenza typically come on suddenly. Initially, a person with flu may experience :Trusted Sour
Trusted Source

  • a high temperature
  • a stuffy or runny nose
  • a dry cough
  • cold sweats and shivers
  • aches that may be severe
  • a headache
  • fatigue, and a feeling of being unwell
  • a low appetite


Adults with the following symptoms should seek medical helpTrusted Source urgently:

  • breathing difficulties
  • pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • dizziness, confusion, or loss of alertness
  • seizures
  • not urinating, which may indicate dehydration
  • severe pain, weakness, and unsteadiness
  • a fever or cough that goes away and then comes back
  • a worsening of other existing health conditions

Children often have similar symptoms to adults but can also have gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If a child has the following symptoms, they need emergency medical care:

  • breathing difficulties
  • rapid breathing
  • bluish face or lips
  • chest pain or ribs pulling inward as they breathe
  • severe aches
  • dehydration, for example, not urinating for 8 hours and crying dry tears
  • lack of alertness or interaction with others
  • a fever above 104°F or any fever in a child under 12 weeks of age
  • a fever or cough that goes away but then comes back
  • a worsening of any other medical conditions

Flu can be dangerous for babies If symptoms appear, a parent or caregiver should seek medical help.

A baby with flu may:

  • be very tired
  • have a cough and sore throat.
  • have a stuffy or runny nose
  • have a fever of 100°F or more
  • have vomiting or diarrhea

The baby needs emergency medical attention if they:

  • do not want anyone to hold them
  • have a blue or gray skin color
  • are breathing fast or have difficulty breathing
  • have a fever with a rash
  • have symptoms that go away but come back again
  • show signs of dehydration, for example, not urinating
  • do not wake up or interact
  • have severe and persistent vomiting
Diagnosis :

Your healthcare provider diagnoses the flu by listening to your symptoms and testing a sample of mucus from your nose. They’ll put a long stick with a soft tip (swab) in your nose to test for influenza. Results may take a few minutes or your provider may send the sample to a lab, where you’ll get results in a day or two..
  • Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) can detect the virus in respiratory samples within minutes.
  • Molecular tests like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offer higher accuracy in identifying the virus and differentiating between strains.


Treatment :

Providers can treat the flu with antiviral medications under certain circumstances. Antivirals can reduce your risk of severe illness and shorten the amount of time you’re sick. Many people can treat the flu without prescription medications. Providers prescribe antivirals if you:

  • Have had symptoms for under 48 hours. Antivirals are less likely to work if you start them after two days of symptoms. The virus has already made more copies of itself and your body has started to fight it off with its own antibodies.
  • Have an underlying condition or are at risk for severe illness. Providers may prescribe antivirals even if you’ve had symptoms for longer than 48 hours.
  • Have severe symptoms, even if you’ve been sick for longer than 48 hours.
  • Live with or care for people who are at risk for severe complications of the flu.


Antiviral drugs for influenza include:

  • Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®). You take oseltamivir by mouth as a pill or a liquid. You usually take it for several days.
  • Zanamivir (Relenza®). You breathe zanamivir in through your mouth with an inhaler. You usually have to take it for several days. Zanamivir isn’t recommended for people with breathing issues, like asthma or COPD.
  • Peramivir (Rapivap®). Your provider gives you peramivir directly into your veins using an IV. You usually only need one dose of peramivir.

Consult your healthcare provider about any health conditions you have before starting an antiviral medication.

How to manage Symptoms :

Many people can manage the symptoms of flu at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other therapies, including:

  • Getting plenty of rest.
  • Drinking fluids like water or broth to help prevent dehydration.
  • Applying heat packs or hot water bottles can help with aching muscles.
  • Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or NSAIDs (Advil®, Motrin®, Aleve®) can help lower your fever and relieve head and body aches.
  • Using spray or oral decongestants like phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can help with a runny or stuffy nose.
  • Taking cough suppressants (antitussives) like dextromethorphan can help calm a nagging cough.
  • Using expectorants like guaifenesin make it easier to clear mucus out of your lungs.

Not everyone should take certain OTCs, so check with your provider before you use them. It’s also a good idea to make sure certain medications are okay to use together or with supplements. Don’t give aspirin to children under the age of 16 unless their provider says it’s okay.

Precautions :

The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine every year. Vaccine train your immune system to recognize infections and fight them off before you get sick. The influenza virus can change (mutate) a little bit every year, which is why you need to get vaccinated every year.

Even if you get sick with a different version of the flu than the one in the vaccine, vaccination reduces your risk of getting seriously ill. Your provider can give you the flu vaccine as a shot or as a mist they spray into your nose.

Other ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If you aren’t able to use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue rather than your bare hand.
  • Avoid being around other people when you or they are sick with the flu or other infectious diseases.
  • Consider wearing a mask if you’re sick and can’t avoid being around others.
  • Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Don’t share food or eating utensils (forks, spoons, cups) with others.



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