Influenza, commonly referred to as the "flu," is a respiratory illness caused by either influenza A or B viruses that spreads easily from person to person. The disease typically occurs more frequently during the winter and early spring seasons. Fortunately, for most patients, influenza can be managed with a short-term medication course or treated at home.

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Types of Flu

Type A

Type A influenza virus is known to cause widespread flu epidemics and is continually mutating. While this virus can affect animals and wild birds, it is most frequently contracted by humans. The influenza A2 virus and other influenza strains can spread easily through various means, such as surfaces touched by an infected person or rooms they recently occupied, especially if they were sneezing. These locations are considered flu hotspots and require extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

Type B

Type B influenza viruses are exclusively found in humans, unlike Type A flu viruses. Although a Type B flu virus may cause a less severe reaction than Type A, it can still be hazardous. Unlike Type A, there are no subtypes of influenza B viruses, and they do not cause pandemics. It is still important to take precautions and seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms of influenza B.

Type C

Influenza C viruses only infect humans and are less severe than Type A and Type B viruses. Fortunately, most individuals infected with influenza C viruses do not experience serious illness. Additionally, these viruses are not responsible for epidemics. While influenza C viruses are less severe, it is still important to take appropriate precautions to avoid contracting the virus.

Who is at a Higher Risk of Getting the Flu?

Although most people with the flu recover without medical intervention, influenza and its complications can be fatal. Those who are at greater risk of developing flu-related complications include:

1. Young children under the age of two
2. Adults over the age of 65
3. Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
4. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant during flu season
5. Individuals with compromised immune systems
6. People with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, and diabetes
7. Individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher

It is essential for individuals in these high-risk groups to take extra precautions during flu season and seek medical attention if experiencing flu symptoms.

How does the Flu Spread?

The flu virus spreads through respiratory secretions when one person comes into contact with another. The virus can quickly spread in areas where people work in close proximity to each other, such as daycare centers, classrooms, college dormitories, military barracks, offices, and nursing homes. It is crucial to take preventative measures in these environments to reduce the spread of the virus.

The flu virus infects your body through various means, such as inhaling virus-containing droplets in the air, direct contact with respiratory secretions by sharing drinks or utensils, or touching items contaminated by an infected person. It is essential to take proper precautions to avoid contracting and spreading the flu virus, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.

It is possible to contract the flu virus by touching or rubbing your eyes, nose, or mouth after coming into contact with an infected person. Therefore, frequent and thorough hand washing is crucial to staying germ-free and preventing the spread of influenza. Symptoms of the flu typically appear one to four days after infection with the virus. If experiencing flu-like symptoms, seek medical attention and take appropriate precautions to avoid spreading the virus

When Should I See a Doctor?

Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and rarely need to see a doctor.

In case you experience flu symptoms and are susceptible to complications, it is advisable to promptly seek medical assistance. By taking antiviral medication, you can potentially reduce the length of your illness and mitigate the likelihood of severe complications.s.

Should your flu symptoms persist for more than one to two days, it is recommended that you seek urgent medical attention.

Adults Might Have the Following Emergency Symptoms While Suffering From the Flu:

The following symptoms require urgent medical attention:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Ongoing dizziness
• Seizures
• Worsening of pre-existing medical conditions
• Severe weakness or muscle pain.

Listed Below are the Emergency Symptoms in Children:

The following symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds (depending on skin color)
• Chest pain
• Dehydration
• Severe muscle pain
• Seizures
• Worsening of pre-existing medical conditions.

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Symptoms

Initially, the flu may resemble a common cold with symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. Nevertheless, the flu can unexpectedly hit hard, causing severe discomfort. Unlike a cold, the flu can leave you feeling considerably more unwell.

Common Symptoms of the Flu Include:

The flu can cause the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Aching muscles
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry, persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness and weakness
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Eye pain
• Vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more prevalent in children than adults.

Home Remedies to Treat Flu

Chicken soup

Although not a cure-all, chicken soup can be an excellent choice when you're feeling unwell.

Consuming a bowl of homemade or canned chicken soup with vegetables can potentially slow the movement of neutrophils in your body, which are a type of white blood cell.

White blood cells help defend your body against infections, and by moving at a slower pace, they can concentrate in the areas of your body that need the most healing.

Ginger

Ginger root has been renowned for its health benefits for centuries, and recent scientific evidence has supported its healing properties. Soaking a few slices of raw ginger root in hot water can help alleviate a cough or sore throat. Additionally, it can aid in mitigating nausea, which is a common symptom of the flu.

Honey

Honey possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can be beneficial in alleviating sore throat pain. Adding honey to tea with lemon is a popular remedy. It can also serve as an effective cough suppressant.

It is important to note that honey should not be given to children under one year of age because it may contain botulinum spores, which their immune systems are unable to combat. Although typically harmless for older children and adults, infants may be at risk.

Garlic

Garlic contains allicin, a compound that has antimicrobial properties. When incorporated into your diet, garlic supplements may potentially reduce the severity of cold symptoms and even help prevent getting sick in the first place. While additional research is necessary to confirm the potential cold-fighting benefits of garlic, many individuals have found it to be effective in treating colds. Incorporating garlic into your diet is safe, as long as you are not allergic to it.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that provides various health benefits to the body. Lemons, along with limes, oranges, grapefruits, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables, are rich in vitamin C. When feeling unwell, adding fresh lemon juice to hot tea with honey may potentially help reduce phlegm. Drinking hot or cold lemonade could also be advantageous.

Drinks such as hot tea with lemon and honey or hot/cold lemonade may not be a complete cure for your cold, but they can provide the essential vitamin C that your immune system needs to combat respiratory tract infections.

Probiotics

Probiotics refer to beneficial bacteria and yeast present in some foods and supplements as well as in your body. These microorganisms promote a healthy gut and immune system, and can also reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections.

Incorporating probiotic yogurt into your diet is a delicious and healthy way to obtain beneficial bacteria. Besides potentially boosting your immune system, yogurt is a nutritious snack rich in protein and calcium. When adding probiotics to your diet, seek out products with live bacteria listed on the label.

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Prevention From Flu

In case of flu, antiviral drugs for influenza can help you treat the illness. These medications are most effective when taken early, ideally within one to two days of experiencing flu symptoms. If you are at a higher risk of severe flu complications or experience flu symptoms, it's best to consult your doctor right away.

Influenza antiviral drugs, when initiated within 1-2 days of the start of flu symptoms, can shorten the duration of sickness by 1-2 days and alleviate symptoms. They also have the potential to prevent flu complications like pneumonia or kidney failure. If you experience flu symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately, particularly if you are at higher risk of severe flu complications.

For people at a higher risk of severe flu complications, using influenza antiviral drugs as a treatment option can make the difference between a milder illness and a serious one that may require hospitalization.

Getting vaccinated is another way to prevent influenza infections, and while it is not entirely foolproof, it significantly decreases the risk of severe complications.

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