Flu (influenza): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

 

Flu (influenza)

What is Flu (influenza)?

Flu (influenza) is a common viral infection, which is spread by coughing and sneezing. You can get the flu at any time of the year, but it is more common in winter, and hence it is also known as seasonal flu. Influenza is caused by the RNA virus, which causes respiratory infections. Compared to other viral infections such as the common cold, influenza viruses can cause serious illness and result in a mortality rate of 0.1 percent. In most cases, influenza resolves within a week or 10 days. Children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 65 have a higher risk of contracting the influenza virus. Pregnant women, people who have low immunity, people who work in healthcare centers, and people who have long-term respiratory illnesses are also at high risk of contracting influenza.

 

What are the symptoms of the flu (influenza)?

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold. Sore throat, runny nose and sneezing are the common symptoms of the flu. The difference between catching a cold and the flu is that the flu grows much faster than catching a cold. Symptoms usually increase within 1 to 3 days and with it, the infection spreads and the infected person usually starts to feel healthy within a week.

The main symptoms of the flu are listed below:

• Sudden fever of 38⁰ centigrade (100.4⁰ Fahrenheit) or higher
• Sore throat
• Decreased appetite
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Nasal congestion

 

What are the causes of flu (influenza)?

• The flu is caused by the influenza virus and it is three types - influenza A, B, and C. Type A and B influenza cause serious respiratory infections and epidemic-like conditions and have a higher mortality rate than type C influenza. 
• The influenza virus is spread from an infected person to another healthy person through sneezing, coughing, or talking. Sometimes you can inhale a drop of fluid infected with the virus directly, or even touch areas that are infected with the influenza virus. Infected people are more likely to spread the infection even before the symptoms begin, especially within the first five days before the symptoms appear.
• Influenza viruses change or mutate regularly. It also increases your risk of contracting a viral infection throughout your life.

 

Flu (influenza) diagnosis and treatment:

You need to rest at home and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. You need to go to the doctor for a checkup. Your doctor may collect your bronchial sample for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, rapid antigen test, or immunofluorescence test. Your doctor may then prescribe you antiviral medication. These antiviral drugs have some side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. Treatment of symptoms with antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs is recommended to reduce fever and discomfort. In infants, frequent breastfeeding should be increased to maintain proper water levels in the body.