Influenza (Flu) -Overview-Symptoms-Cause
Overview
The respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, and lungs, is infected with the flu (influenza). Although influenza is frequently referred to as the flu, it is different from stomach "flu" viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
The majority of flu sufferers recover on their own. However, influenza and its side effects can occasionally be fatal. Those who are more likely to experience problems from the virus include:
little youngsters under 2 years old adults above the age of 65 Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care institutions. People who are pregnant or want to become pregnant during flu season People with compromised immune systems Native Alaskans or Americans of either race
People who suffer from long-term conditions including diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, asthma, and other chronic ailments
Symptoms:
With a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat at first, the flu may look like a typical cold. Colds often come on gradually. However, the flu often strikes out of nowhere. Additionally, even while a cold might be unpleasant, the flu typically makes you feel considerably worse.
The following
are typical flu symptoms:
1.
Fever
2.
muscles
pain
3.
sweats
and shivers
4.
Headache
5.
Dry,
lingering cough
6.
respiration
difficulty
7.
weakness
and weariness
8.
a
stuffy or runny nose
9.
Throat
pain
10.
hurting
my eyes
11.
nonetheless,
children are more likely than adults to experience vomiting and diarrhoea.
Whenever to
visit a doctor
The majority of individuals who have the flu can take care of themselves at home and frequently don't need to visit a doctor.
Consult your healthcare professional straight away if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and might develop problems. Antiviral medicine may help you feel better faster and avoid developing more serious issues.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have flu emergency symptoms. Adults may experience the following emergency signs:
1.
respiratory
issues or lack of breath
2.
chest
discomfort
3.
persistent
dizziness
4.
Seizures
5.
current
medical issues getting worse
6.
muscular
ache or extreme weakness
7. Children's emergency signs may include:
8.
Having
trouble breathing
9. Depending on skin tone, pale, grey, or blue nails, lips, or nail beds are possible.
10.
chest
discomfort
11.
Dehydration
12.
extreme
muscle
Causes:
When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, influenza viruses are released into the air as droplets. The droplets are instantly inhalable. The germs can also be picked up from a surface, such a phone or computer keyboard, and then transferred to your eyes, nose, or mouth.
A day or so before symptoms emerge and for approximately four days afterward, infected individuals are most likely infectious. Contagiousness may last a little while longer in children and those with compromised immune systems.
The influenza virus is continually evolving, and new strains are often discovered. If you've already had influenza, your body has already produced antibodies to combat that particular strain of the virus. Suppose future influenza viruses resemble.
danger signs:
You may be more vulnerable to getting the flu or its complications if you have:
Age. Children under the age of two and adults over the age of 65 typically experience worse outcomes from seasonal influenza.
conditions of employment or living. People are more susceptible to the flu if they reside or work in settings with a high population of inmates, such as nursing homes or military barracks. Additionally, those who are hospitalised are more vulnerable.
Immune system impairment. The immune system can be compromised by HIV/AIDS, blood cancer, organ transplants, anti-rejection drugs, long-term steroid use, cancer treatments, and anti-rejection drugs. This might make it simpler to get the flu and raise the possibility of complications.
chronic diseases Flu risk may be exacerbated by chronic conditions.
The flu typically isn't serious if you're young and healthy. While you may feel awful while you have it, the flu usually passes in a week or two with no long-term consequences. However, at-risk children and adults may experience complications such as:
1.
Pneumonia
2.
Bronchitis
3.
flare-ups
of asthma
4.
Heart
conditions
5.
Otitis
media
6.
Rapid
breathing distress syndrome
Prevention:
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu shot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Your chance of contracting the flu can be decreased with the flu shot. Additionally, it may reduce the possibility of developing a bad case of the flu and necessitating a hospital stay.
Because the symptoms of the flu and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are identical, immunisation against the flu is particularly crucial. It's possible that COVID-19 and the flu are both spreading simultaneously. The most effective defence against both is vaccination. The flu shot may minimise symptoms that might be mistaken for COVID-19-related ones. The number of persons requiring hospitalisation might be decreased by preventing the flu and reducing the number of those suffering from severe illness and consequences in the hospital. Additionally, according to the CDC, you can receive both the flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in a same appointment if both are required at the same time.
The seasonal flu vaccine this year protects against four influenza viruses that are anticipated to be the most prevalent this flu season. The vaccination will be offered as a nasal spray and as an injection this year. For individuals 65 and older, a high-dose flu vaccination will also be available.
1.
The
age range for the nasal spray is 2 to 49 years old.
2.
Certain
demographic groups
3.
Children
younger than age 2 Adults age 50 and older
4.
pregnant
women
5.
Children
between the ages of 2 and 17 who are taking aspirin or a medicine with
salicylate
6.
those
whose immune systems are compromised
7.
Children
aged 2 to 4 who experienced asthma or wheeze during the previous 12 months
maintaining
infection control:
Since the flu shot doesn't always prevent the spread of the illness, it's also critical to take a number of other steps, such as:
Clean your hands. It is possible to stop many common diseases by often washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, if soap and water aren't accessible, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Keep your hands off of your face. Be careful not to touch your lips, nose, or eyes.
Coughing and sneezing should be covered. Enter a tissue or your elbow to cough or sneeze into. Wash your hands after that.
surface cleanliness To stop the virus from spreading when you contact a frequently touched surface and subsequently touch your face, regularly clean such areas.
avoid crowds. Everywhere there are crowds of people, the virus may readily spread. child care facilities, schools, workplaces, theatres, and public transportation. You lessen your risk of contracting the flu by avoiding crowds at the height of the flu season.
Also stay away from ill people. And to reduce your likelihood of spreading an infection to others, if you're unwell, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided.
Also stay away from ill people. And to reduce your likelihood of spreading an infection to others, if you're unwell, stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided.
