Influenza | Common Flu Symptoms, Causes,
Diagnosis, and Treatment
What is Influenza?
Flu or influenza can spread from person to person. Caused by influenza viruses, this viral infection of the respiratory tract spreads by breathing in droplets from coughs and sneezes containing the virus, touching infected surfaces and can cause complications like pneumonia. Influenza or flu is a seasonal infection and is most common in the winter months.
Influenza Flu Symptoms
Influenza is not simply a common cold. In a majority of cases, flu symptoms appear within two to three days following contact with the virus. Since influenza spreads easily, it can affect a large group of people in a short span of time. Flu symptoms usually appear 2–3 days after exposure to the virus.
Common Flu Symptoms in Adults and Children
• Most people with influenza may experience:
• Sudden high fever
• Dry cough
• Body aches (especially in the back, head, and legs)
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Chills and sweating
• Extreme tiredness or weakness
• Chills and sweating
• Loss of appetite
Influenza Flu Causes
The flu or influenza is caused by the influenza virus. The virus spreads through air in the form of droplets when someone with the flu infection talks, coughs or sneezes. The most common types that infect people are Influenza A, B and C. Both Influenza B and A are seasonal and a majority of people contract the viruses in winter months. While influenza A and B cause severe symptoms, Influenza C is not seasonal and does not cause severe symptoms.
Influenza virus is constantly evolving with new strains appearing often. When an individual first contracts the viral infection, it gives long-term protection against similar strains of influenza.
When to See a Doctor For Influenza?
Seek medical attention if you experience:
• High fever that won’t go down
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe body aches or weakness
• Signs of dehydration (especially in children and elderly)
Influenza Flu Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of influenza, a doctor conducts a physical examination, determines the symptoms of flu, and orders tests that detect influenza viruses. Influenza and other kinds of viruses can be confirmed by a doctor after a throat and nose swab has returned positive results for an individual.
Other types of tests for influenza may include:
• Antigen tests - Antigen tests help identify viral proteins referred to as antigens. An example of an antigen test for influenza is a rapid influenza diagnostic test.
• Molecular tests - A molecular test determines the genetic material from the influenza virus. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests and NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification) tests are common molecular tests.
Influenza Treatments
Medications
• It’s important to remember that since the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics will not support treatment and must not be taken. Contrastingly, antiviral medications prescribed by the internal medicine doctor or flu specialist, and started in the first two days after the onset of flu symptoms, may shorten the length of the illness.
• Simple pain relievers and decongestants can help improve how you feel while the body’s immune system fights off the viral infection.
Home Care
• Rest It is common to feel extremely tired or weak until the body temperature returns to normal (approximately 3 days). Rest helps the body make the most of its energy to fight the viral infection.
• Stay at home
The time span during which the adults with the flu can spread the viral infection is usually around three to five days in adults, and up to seven days in younger children after the first symptoms appear.
• Drink plenty of fluids
Extra fluids help rehydrate and compensate for the fluids lost during fever (through sweating).
Point to remember: If your urine is dark, it’s an indication that you may need to drink more water. Try to drink a glass of water every hour while you are awake.
Prevention
As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals of the age six months and older must receive the influenza vaccine. It works by exposing an individual to a small dose of flu virus that helps the body develop immunity to fight the disease. Remember, vaccination will not treat an existing influenza infection. Other preventive steps that can help reduce the spread of the viral infection include:
• Wash your hands
• Avoid touching your face
• Cover your sneezes and coughs
• Clean surfaces
• Avoid crowds
Influenza spreads easily in crowds, for example, in schools, office buildings, auditoriums and on public transportation services. Avoid crowds during peak flu season to lower the chances of infection.
Reference Link: https://www.artemishospitals.com/blog/influenza-flu-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment
