There are days when you feel really bad, your body aches, your head is heavy, and you have a fever. You may wonder if this is just a cold, or the flu that everyone is talking about, or some other illness. In fact, not all flus are the same. Some types of flu can make you very sick, while others are normal and get better. So, let's talk about this clearly and simply today.
What exactly is Flu?
Simply put, the flu is a contagious infection of the respiratory system, which is caused by a group of viruses called influenza. This can cause symptoms such as body aches, muscle aches, headaches, and fever .
Usually, with plenty of rest and plenty of fluids (water, porridge, soup), these symptoms will subside in about four to seven days. However, sometimes, especially in people with weakened immune systems, this condition can become severe and lead to serious conditions such as pneumonia , and sometimes even death. Therefore, it is not good to take the flu lightly.
Flu, cold, and COVID-19: Don't confuse them!
These three diseases sometimes get confused because they have similar symptoms. But there are clear differences between them. Let's see what these differences are.
| Symptom | Flu | Common Cold | Covid-19 (COVID-19) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of onset of symptoms | It starts suddenly, suddenly . | The symptoms increase slowly and gradually . | It can happen slowly or suddenly. |
| Fever | Often there is a high fever. | Rarely, even when it does come, it's a low-grade fever. | Often comes with a fever. |
| Body pain | It feels very tight . It's common. | Maybe, but not that hard. | Often felt. |
| Fatigue/tiredness | It feels very tight . | Usually low. | Often feels tight. |
| Nasal congestion/runny nose | may be. | There probably is. | may be. |
| Loss of taste and smell | Rarely. | Rarely. | Often seen. |
The important thing is that these symptoms alone cannot diagnose the disease 100% accurately. If you have any doubts, the best thing to do is to see a doctor and get advice.
How is the flu virus transmitted?
The flu virus enters our bodies through the mucus membranes in our nose, eyes, or mouth. For example, when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets from their mouth and nose are released into the environment. These droplets contain the virus.
If you are in such a place, those droplets can get into your nose, mouth, and eyes. Or, if you touch a surface (a table, a doorknob) that has the virus on it and then touch your face with that hand, the virus can enter your body.
That's why it's alwaysWashing your hands thoroughly with soap and water is the best way to protect yourself from these illnesses. If you have the flu, washing your hands after touching your face, nose, or mouth can greatly reduce the risk of spreading the illness to others.
The main types of flu we get
There are three main types of flu viruses that affect humans: A, B, and C.
Influenza A
This is the biggest bully of these guys. This type of virus is the one that causes the most major epidemics. The special thing about this is that this virus can infect not only humans, but also animals like birds and pigs. Also, this virus constantly changes its form (mutates) . That's why a new flu wave comes almost every year.
Influenza B
This virus only spreads between people . Although it doesn't cause as severe an epidemic as type A, type B can still make you very sick. Usually, type A and type B are responsible for the flu wave that comes every year.
Influenza C
This is a very mild condition . The symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. And it does not cause major epidemics.
(In addition to these three types, there is also a type called influenza D, but it only affects animals like cattle. It has not yet been reported to infect humans.)
Why do we need to get the flu vaccine every year?
You may be wondering, "Why do we need to get this vaccine every year?" The reason is that the types A and B viruses we talked about earlier are constantly changing their nature, like changing their appearance.
Therefore, last year's vaccine may not be suitable for the new strain of the virus that is coming out this year. Scientists study the viruses that spread around the world each year and predict which strains of the virus are most likely to be effective that year to develop a new vaccine .
Usually, about two weeks after getting this vaccine, your body produces antibodies that can fight the flu virus.
What is the 'Bird Flu' that everyone is talking about?
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a disease that affects birds caused by certain strains of the influenza A virus (e.g. `H5N1`, `H7N9`). However, it can rarely be transmitted to humans.
Important: Bird flu is transmitted to humans through direct contact with secretions such as saliva and feces of an infected bird or other animal (recently reported from cattle). This means that people who work in poultry houses and farms are usually at higher risk. It is not easily transmitted from person to person.
Another important thing is that you cannot catch bird flu from eating well-cooked chicken, duck, or eggs, because the high temperature completely destroys the virus.
Symptoms of bird flu may include fever, cough, body aches, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). The regular flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu, and there is a separate vaccine for that.
If you have flu-like symptoms and have recently been around sick chickens, birds, or cattle, notify a doctor immediately .
Take-Home Message
- The flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It can be more severe than the common cold.
- Although the symptoms of the flu, colds, and COVID-19 are similar, there are clear differences between them.
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and avoiding touching your face is the best way to protect yourself from the flu virus.
- Because flu viruses are constantly changing, getting a flu vaccine every year can protect you against that year's strains.
- If your flu symptoms don't improve in a few days, you have difficulty breathing, or you feel worse, be sure to see your doctor.
- There is no risk of contracting bird flu from eating well-cooked meat and eggs.
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