Influenza (Flu) is a viral respiratory infection that impacts the nose, throat, and lungs. It’s different from what you may call stomach flu viruses that cause digestive symptoms.
The complications of influenza can be lethal for infants and older adults, as well as pregnant women. People with certain medical conditions may also be at a higher risk for catching the flu.
The general symptoms of the flu are:
Symptoms can appear suddenly and are typically more severe than common cold symptoms. Vomiting and diarrhoea can also be symptoms, but these happen more often in children than adults.
Most people who get the flu can treat their symptoms at home until they feel better. You should seek medical help if you are having difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, muscle pain, or cannot stay hydrated.
The flu is caused by a virus. It spreads in the air via droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can contract the virus by breathing in droplets or by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your face.
Infected people can spread the virus starting from a day before they show symptoms until about 5 to 7 days after symptoms begin. Kids and those with weak immune systems might spread the virus for a bit longer.
Risk factors for influenza include age, working in advanced care facilities, and having a history of chronic illness.
Your healthcare professional will check your physical condition, look for flu symptoms, and might order a flu test.
During flu season, you might not need a test. Your healthcare team can diagnose you just by your symptoms. Sometimes, your doctor might recommend getting a flu test.
While many recover on their own, the flu can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, heart issues, asthma, and ear infections, especially in high-risk groups.
Treatment for the flu includes resting and drinking lots of fluids to treat the symptoms. However, if your infection is severe or you’re at risk of complications, your doctor might give you antiviral medicine.
The annual influenza vaccination is recommended for prevention, alongside hygiene practices like handwashing and avoiding crowded places during flu season. While the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it will help reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do catch influenza.