What you need to know about influenza

Are you feeling sick these days? Are you stuck at home with a high fever and cough and a cold? Or has this happened to a friend or family member? In fact, these kinds of illnesses are very common these days. We usually call this the ' flu '. But although many people think of this as a common cold, the flu is a more serious illness that can be dangerous if not treated properly. So today, we will talk about everything, very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is this flu really?

Simply put, flu is an infection of our respiratory system, that is, the nose, throat , and lungs, caused by a virus called influenza . It is a little more severe than the common cold. It causes symptoms like sudden high fever, body aches , headache, and sore throat . This flu spreads like an epidemic in Sri Lanka, both during the rainy season and some dry seasons. You may have seen many people getting this disease at the same time.

What is the difference between the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19?

This is something that many people get confused about. Since the symptoms are somewhat similar, you might think that these three diseases are the same. However, they are caused by three types of viruses. Therefore, the treatment methods are also different. Let's see what are the main differences between them.

Who is most at risk if they get the flu?

Although anyone can get the flu , some people can develop serious complications, such as pneumonia , and even need to be hospitalized. Let's take a look at who is at higher risk .

• Children under 5 years of age and adults over 65 years of age .
• Pregnant mothers .
• People with chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD .
• People with diabetes .
• People with chronic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease .
• People with weakened immune systems (for example, cancer patients, people with HIV/AIDS, people taking immunosuppressive medications).
• Overweight people (BMI greater than 30).
• Children under the age of 19 who take medications such as aspirin for a long time .
• People living in places like nursing homes .

If you belong to one of these groups, it is very important to see a doctor and seek advice as soon as you develop flu symptoms.

What are the common symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms usually start suddenly. The main symptoms include:

• High fever and chills.
• Body pain , especially muscle pain in the back, arms, and legs.
• Headache (headache) .
• Constant dry cough .
• Sore throat .
• Nasal discharge or nasal congestion .
• Feeling extremely tired and exhausted . Feeling so weak that you can't do anything.
• Sometimes, especially in young children, they may experience stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea .

Not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Some people may experience only a few of them.

How is this flu transmitted?

Flu is a highly contagious disease . Specifically, the virus is spread through droplets that come out of the mouth and nose when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks.

1. Through direct contact: The disease can be transmitted if these droplets enter your nose, mouth, or eyes directly.

2. By indirect contact:The virus may be on surfaces that someone with the flu has touched, such as doorknobs, tables, computers, or phones. If you touch that surface and then touch your face, nose, or mouth with the same hand, the virus can enter your body.

You can spread the disease to someone else from a day before symptoms start. Also, the disease is most contagious for 3-4 days after symptoms start.

What are the treatments for the flu?

Most of the time, a healthy person can recover from the flu at home without any special medication, with rest. However, in some cases, doctors prescribe antiviral medications.

Who is given antiviral drugs?

This medication is not given to everyone. Usually, a doctor prescribes this medication:

• If within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms , because after that, the effectiveness of these medications decreases.
• If you belong to one of the risk groups mentioned above .
• If the symptoms are very severe or complications have occurred.
• If you are caring for someone in a high-risk group.

Oseltamivir , which you may have heard of under the brand name ``Tamiflu®``, is a commonly used antiviral drug in Sri Lanka. These are medications that should only be taken on medical advice .

How to manage the flu at home?

There are many things you can do at home to help you recover quickly when you get the flu.

1. Get plenty of rest: Resting your body is the most important thing. Stay home from work or school.

2. Drink more fluids: Drink water, soups, cilantro, and citrus tea regularly. This can help prevent dehydration.

3. Medicine for fever and pain: Medicines like paracetamol (Acetaminophen) can be taken for fever and body aches as prescribed by a doctor.

4. Hot compresses: Applying a hot water bottle to the body can provide relief from pain.

5. Cough and cold relief: Gargle with salt water for a sore throat. Ask your doctor for a cough syrup to help relieve your cough.

When should you see a doctor and go to the ETU?

This is a very important part. While a common flu can be treated at home, sometimes it is essential to seek medical advice. In some severe cases, you may need to go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

How to avoid the flu?

"It's better to prevent the flu than to treat it," they say. So there are a few things we can do to protect ourselves from the flu.

1. Get a yearly flu vaccine: This is the best and safest way to protect yourself from the flu. The flu virus changes slightly every year. That's why it's recommended to get a new vaccine every year.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and water: Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after being in public places. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

3. Avoid touching your face: Avoid the habit of frequently touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

4. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing: It is better to cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow than to cover your hands.

5. Stay away from sick people:If you are sick, stay home to avoid infecting others. If others are sick, stay away from them.

6. Avoid sharing common items: Do not share items like water bottles, cups, cutlery, etc. with others.

Finally, what some people call the "stomach flu" is not the influenza flu we've been talking about. It's a stomach infection (gastroenteritis). The two are completely different.

Although the flu is a common illness, it is not something to be taken lightly. If managed properly, you will recover within a few days. However, it is very important to be aware of the risk factors and seek medical advice when necessary for your own safety and that of your loved ones.