Influenza (flu)

What is Influenza?
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs).

Myth Buster: It is not the same as the "stomach flu" (gastroenteritis), which causes diarrhea and vomiting. True influenza is primarily a respiratory illness.

Symptoms: Is it a Cold or the Flu?

The flu often mimics a cold, but it hits harder and faster.

• Onset: Colds develop slowly; Flu hits suddenly.
• Fever: Common with Flu (often over 100°F/38°C); rare with colds.
• Aches: Severe muscle/body aches are a hallmark of the Flu.
• Fatigue: Weakness can last for weeks with the Flu.
• Cough: Usually dry and persistent.

Transmission

Flu viruses travel through the air in droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can catch it by:

• Inhaling droplets directly.
• Touching contaminated objects (phones, keyboards) and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Why do we get it more than once?
Influenza viruses are constantly changing (mutating). Your body's antibodies for last year's strain might not recognize this year's new strain.

Complications

For young, healthy people, the flu is miserable but rarely dangerous. However, for high-risk groups (young children, elderly, pregnant women), it can lead to:

• Pneumonia: The most serious complication. It can be deadly for seniors.
• Bronchitis.
• Ear and Sinus Infections.

Diagnosis

During flu season, doctors often diagnose based on symptoms, but they can confirm it with tests:

• Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test: A nasal swab that provides results in 15 minutes (though false negatives can happen).
• PCR Test: A more sensitive lab test used in hospitals to identify the specific strain.

Treatment

For most people, the cure is bed rest and plenty of fluids.

1. Antiviral Drugs

Drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) can shorten the illness by a day or two and prevent complications. They work best if taken within 48 hours of the first symptom.

2. Home Care

• Rest: Your body needs energy to fight the virus.
• Fluids: Fever can lead to dehydration. Drink water, broth, or electrolyte solutions.

⚠️ WARNING: NO ASPIRIN FOR KIDS
Never give Aspirin to children or teenagers recovering from flu-like symptoms. It is linked to Reye's Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition that causes swelling in the liver and brain.

Prevention

The single best defense is the Annual Flu Vaccine. While it isn't 100% effective, it significantly lowers the risk of infection and reduces severity if you do get sick.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.