Battling the flu could be quite grueling on your whole body. Oftentimes, you feel feverish, have aching muscles, chills and sweats. Although, most people who “catch the flu” get better on their own. However, in some severe cases, influenza and its complications can be deadly.
BY: GUY JABBAR
At first, the flu may seem like a cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Common colds usually start slowly, but the flu tends to attack the body much quicker.
And while a cold can make you miserable, you usually feel much worse with the flu.
Usually, this virus is more active and peaks in the fall and winter months “Flu Season” in the United States, between December and February.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza has caused an estimated 9 million to 41 million illnesses, 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 to 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020 in the United States.
Moreover, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, influenza causes between 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually.
So, what is influenza?
Influenza, also commonly known as the flu, is an infectious virus of the nose, throat and lungs, which attacks the respiratory system.
The flu is caused by viruses that travel through the air in droplets (very small drops of liquid) when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks.
These droplets can be inhaled directly, or you can pick up the germs from touching an object, such as a computer keyboard, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
People with the virus are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about 5 to 7 days after they start.
However, children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer time.
What are some flu symptoms?
At first, the flu may seem like a cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. Colds usually start slowly, but the flu tends to attack the body much quicker.
And while a cold can make you miserable, you usually feel much worse with the flu.
Common symptoms of the flu often — but not always — include a fever, aching body or muscles, chills and sweats. Other symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dry, persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness and weakness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Eye pain
NOTE: Vomiting and diarrhea also are flu symptoms. However, they’re more common in children than in adults.
When to see a doctor
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or are at risk of complications from the flu, it is advisable to see your healthcare professional right away.
According to Dr. Howard E. LeWine, a M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing.
Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and often don’t need to see a healthcare professional.
If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your healthcare professional right away.
What does the doctor suggest?
Taking antiviral medicine to treat the flu may shorten the length of your illness and help prevent more-serious problems, advises Dr. LeWine.
Treatments to ease flu symptoms, rest and drink plenty of fluids — like orange juice, which is an excellent fluid source to fight influenza.
You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers according to directions on the product.
Dr. LeWine recommends a variety of antiviral drugs to treat influenza. However, depending on how long you’ve been sick (since treatment may speed recovery only if started soon after the onset of symptoms), severity of symptoms and risk factors for complications.
According to the doctor, if you have emergency symptoms of the flu, see a medical professional immediately. For adults, emergency symptoms can include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Ongoing dizziness
- Seizures
- Worsening of existing medical conditions
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Children who are suspected of having the flu should not take aspirin.
Bottom Line
Most people who “get the flu” get better on their own with over-the-counter medication and sometimes home remedies.
But if you do happen to get infected with the virus, you are likely contagious from about a day before symptoms appear until about 5 to 7 days after they start.
However, you shouldn’t take this virus lightly, because in some severe cases, influenza and its complications can be deadly.
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