Flu seasonal outbreaks are not new and are especially prevalent during colder seasons, thus seasonal influenza is an issue of recurring interest in the public health arena. Educating the public about the mechanism of influenza transmission, identifying the symptoms at the earliest stage, and being aware of proper flu treatment and prevention currently is a way of decreasing its effects on people and society considerably.


What is Influenza?

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses (Types A and B) that infects the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, and muscle aches, and can range from mild to severe, sometimes causing serious complications like pneumonia or death, especially in high-risk groups.


What Causes Influenza?

Influenza is an infection that is caused by the influenza virus which is mainly located in the nose, throat, and lungs. The virus is easy to transmit between individuals particularly in crowded places or enclosed places. Popular modes of transmission of the flu include:


  • Droplets are emitted during coughing, sneezing or talking by an infected person.
  • Handling infected areas and then rubbing it against the face.
  • This is a close contact with a person who is already having the flu.

The virus is highly mutable and this explains the emergence of new strains of flu almost every year. This is also the cause of this continual change, which makes annual flu prevention measures necessary.


Common Symptoms of Influenza

The symptoms of the flu are usually sudden and tend to be severe as compared to those caused by a common cold. The extent can be different based on the age, immunity and the general health. Flu in adults symptoms include:


  • High fever and chills
  • Continued cough and pain in the throat
  • Headache and body aches
  • Severe lack of energy and strength
  • Runny or blocked nose

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also be the symptoms in flu in children. There are children who might look fatigued or irritated unusually, and the symptoms can deteriorate rapidly unless they are taken care of.


Types of Influenza

Influenza viruses come in different forms though only several of them infect human beings.


  • Influenza A: The most common and the most prevalent cause of epidemics.
  • Influenza B: It is most generally gentle in character and could be violent.
  • Influenza C: this is not as widespread and causes a mild respiratory disease.

The most frequent of them is the cause of seasonal influenza epidemics of flu every year, mainly Influenza A and B.


Read More: 5 Natural Cold Remedies Effective Home Treatments for Cold and Flu Relief


Who Is at Higher Risk?

There are some groups of people who may be at risk of getting a serious disease or facing flu complications, whereas all the people may have the flu. High-risk groups include:


  • Older adults aged 65 and above
  • Young children under 5 years
  • Pregnant women
  • Persistent patients such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease
  • Patients with weakened immunity

Early diagnosis and timely flu treatment is particularly significant to these groups.


How Is Influenza Diagnosed?

Influenza is normally diagnosed regarding symptoms and medical history. When the flu is at its peak season, the doctors might not conduct extensive testing during the diagnosis of the flu. These methods of diagnosis can include:


  • Physical examination
  • Rapid diagnostic influenza tests
  • Nares and throat swab laboratory tests

Early diagnosis assists in early treatment and further transmission of infection to other individuals.


Treatment Options for Influenza

The majority of patients having mild flu heal through rest and home care. Medical flu treatment, however, can be required in case of severe cases or risky people. Treatment options include:


  • Antiviral drugs to decrease the severity and duration of symptoms
  • Pain relievers and fever reducers
  • Adequate hydration and rest

The antiviral drugs are most effective when they are administered in the first 48 hours of symptoms. Influenza is a viral infection that cannot be treated using antibiotics.


Possible Complications of Influenza

Although most individuals get back to their normal lives, influenza may cause severe flu complications, particularly when they are not treated. Possible complication may include:


  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchitis
  • Sinus and ear infections
  • Exacerbation of long-term medical disorders
  • In very severe cases, respiratory failure

Complications are more likely to develop among children, aged individuals, and individuals with a weakened immunity.


Preventing Influenza

Prevention is very important in curbing the transmission and severity of influenza. Vaccination is the most appropriate way of flu prevention. The major preventive strategies are:


  • Eating whole grains, like whole wheat dinner
  • Having frequent hand washing with soap and water
  • Staying away as much as possible out of proximity with sick people
  • Wearing a mouth and nose cover while coughing or sneezing
  • Remaining at home when being ill with the flu

The flu vaccine will not only help to protect the individual but also to minimize the transmission to the community.


When to See a Doctor for Influenza?

Seek medical attention in the event that the symptoms of flu are severe and not improving. You are to consult a doctor when:


  • The duration of fever is above three days
  • It becomes hard to breathe
  • Pains develop in the chest or loss of sense
  • The symptoms deteriorate rather than improve
  • A child demonstrates symptoms of dehydration or severe tiredness

Severe health outcomes can be avoided through early intervention.


Conclusion

Flu is not only a seasonal nuisance but is an infectious disease which may have a major impact on the quality of life and general well-being. Being transmitted due to the influenza virus, it diffuses rapidly and has a great number of symptoms in adults and children. Even though the major number of the cases are mild, the risk of flu complications is high and hence vigilance and prevention is of the primary concern.


Individuals can help avoid the disastrous influences of influenza and save others and themselves by ensuring they notice the symptoms at the onset, ensure they treat the flu promptly, ensure they are healthy, and get the flu vaccine. Preventive and informed care is the most helpful way of combating this widespread, yet potentially hazardous, disease.


Please book an appointment with the best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and all major cities of Pakistan through Instacare, or call our helpline 03171777509 to find a certified doctor for your illness.