Would you like to know more about the "flu" (influenza) that you are also suffering from these days?

Today we are going to talk about a rather annoying illness that many people are getting these days. You may have heard of the “flu”. For some, it comes and goes without a trace, but for others, it can be very difficult for days. So, let’s take a look at what this “flu” is, why it occurs, and how to avoid it.

What is Flu? Let's find out exactly what it is.

Simply put, Flu is an illness caused by a virus called `(Influenza)` in our body. It can cause symptoms like headache , body aches , sore throat , and fever. Sometimes these symptoms can come and go. This flu spreads more often, especially during the winter months . It can affect many people at once, which is also called an epidemic.

What is the season for flu?

Although flu can occur at any time of the year in our country, in the northern hemisphere (where countries like America are located), the flu season is generally considered to be from October to May . The highest number of cases are reported between December and February. In our country, too, it can be seen to spread during the rainy season and during colder weather.

How common is this disease called flu?

In fact, the flu is a very common infectious disease . Millions of people around the world get the flu every year. So it's not something that's all that new.

What is the difference between the common cold and the flu?

This is something that many people confuse. The symptoms of the flu and the symptoms of the common cold can sometimes be the same. Things like a runny nose and a cough can be present in both.

But the main difference is that the symptoms of the common cold are often mild. But the symptoms of the flu can be severe, and sometimes even cause serious complications.

Moreover, both of these diseases are caused by different types of viruses .

Do I have the flu or COVID-19? How do I know for sure?

This is also a problem that many people have these days. Because the symptoms of the flu and the symptoms of Covid-19 can be very similar. To know exactly what you have, you definitely need to get tested. There is a risk of developing serious conditions with both of these diseases. But because these two diseases are caused by two different types of viruses, doctors treat them with different types of medicines.

Who is most at risk when it comes to the flu?

Some people are more likely to develop serious complications from the flu, meaning they may need to be hospitalized. If you have any of these conditions, you may be at higher risk :

• If you have a chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD .
• If you have previously had a kidney, liver , nervous system , heart , or blood vessel disease (e.g., stroke) .
• If you have a condition that affects your muscle function or makes it difficult to cough, swallow, or clear mucus from your lungs .
• If you have diabetes .
• If your immune system is weakened (e.g., HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications).
• If you have a blood disease such as sickle cell disease .
• If your BMI is over 30 (which means you are obese) .
• If you are under 5 years old or over 65 years old .
• If you are a pregnant mother .
• If you are under 19 years old and you regularly take aspirin .
• If you live in a long-term care facility (e.g., a nursing home) .

If these people get the flu, it can affect them a little more severely than the average person, so it's best to be very careful.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms usually start suddenly . These are the main symptoms you may see:

• Fever
• Feeling cold (Chills)
• Body pain (especially muscle pain)
• Cough
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or nasal congestion
• Tiredness, feeling of weakness
• Stomach upset or vomiting (this is most common in young children)

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

Why do we get the flu? What is the cause?

As we mentioned earlier, the flu is caused by a virus called influenza . There are three types of influenza viruses that most commonly infect humans: A, B, and C.

• Influenza A and B are the two types that are most prevalent seasonally (especially in the winter), and the symptoms are also somewhat more severe.
• The symptoms of influenza C are not as severe, and it is not seasonal. There may be a similar number of cases throughout the year.

You may have heard of H1N1 (“swine flu”) and bird flu . Both are subtypes of the influenza A virus.

Is the flu contagious?

Yes, the flu is definitely a contagious disease. That means it spreads from one person to another. A person who has the flu can infect one or two other people.

How does the flu spread from one person to another?

The flu virus spreads through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. The most common ways the flu is spread are:

• When someone nearby coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets (`(droplets)`) fall on your hands or enter your nose and mouth through the air. The virus then travels to your lungs.
• By touching a surface (e.g. doorknobs, tables, computers, phones) that has the flu virus on it and then touching your face, nose, mouth, or eyes.
• By touching the hands or face of someone who has the flu and then touching your face, nose, mouth, or eyes.

How long does it take for the virus to enter the body to cause illness?

If the virus is contracted, symptoms usually begin to appear within one to four days (this is called the ``incubation period'').

How to accurately diagnose the flu?

Your doctor will diagnose the flu by asking about your symptoms and taking a sample of mucus from your nose . They will take this sample by inserting a soft, long, thin swab into your nose. Sometimes you can get results within minutes, or the sample will be sent to a lab and the results will be available in a day or two.

What are the treatments for the flu?

Sometimes doctors prescribe antiviral medications to treat the flu. These medications can make your flu less severe and shorten the length of time you have the illness. But many people can get over the flu without these medications. Doctors prescribe these antiviral medications in the following situations:

• If symptoms have been present for less than 48 hours, this medicine is less likely to work if symptoms have been present for more than two days. This is because by then the virus has spread widely in the body and the body has started to make antibodies against it.
• If you have other underlying medical conditions or are at high risk of developing severe illness, doctors may prescribe this medication even if symptoms have been present for more than 48 hours.
• If the symptoms are very severe , medication can be given even if the patient has been sick for more than two days.
• If you live with or care for people who may have serious complications from the flu.

What are the medications given for the flu?

There are several antiviral drugs for influenza:

• Oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®) : This is a medicine that is taken by mouth, either as a pill or as a liquid. It is usually taken for several days.
• Zanamivir (Relenza®) : This is a medicine that is inhaled through an inhaler. It also needs to be used for several days. It is not recommended for people with breathing problems such as asthma or COPD.
• Peramivir (Rapivap®) : This is given as an intravenous (IV) injection by a doctor. It is usually given in a single dose.
• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®) : This is also a medicine that is taken by mouth, either as a tablet or a liquid. It is taken as a single dose. It is not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, people who are hospitalized, and people with certain other medical conditions.

Before you start any antiviral medication, you should tell your doctor about any other health conditions you have.

Are there any side effects to these medications?

Each antiviral medication can have different side effects, but the most common are nausea and stomach upset (diarrhea) . Inhaled medications can sometimes cause bronchospasm.

How to control flu symptoms at home?

Many people can manage their flu symptoms at home. Over-the-counter medications (OTC) and other home remedies can help:

• Rest well.
• Drink plenty of fluids like water and soup. This can help prevent dehydration.
• Using hot water bottles or heat packs can help with body pain.
• You can take medicines like `(Paracetamol (Tylenol®))` or `(NSAIDs)` (e.g. `(Ibuprofen – Advil®, Motrin®)`, `(Naproxen – Aleve®)`) to reduce fever, headache, and body aches.
• Decongestants (nasal sprays or lozenges) such as phenylephrine or pseudoephedrine can be used to relieve runny nose and congestion.
• You can take antitussives, such as dextromethorphan, to stop frequent coughing.
• Expectorants, such as guaifenesin, help to loosen mucus in the lungs.

Important: These OTC medications are not suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult a doctor before taking any medication. It is also important to know if these medications will interact with other medications you are taking. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age unless directed to do so by a doctor.

What can we do to prevent getting the flu?

The best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year . This can be given as a shot or as a nasal spray. It is important to get the vaccine every year because the influenza virus changes (mutates) over time.

Other ways to reduce the risk of flu include:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. It is better to cough/sneeze into your elbow or a tissue than into your hands.
• Avoid close contact with someone who is sick with a contagious illness, such as the flu.
• If you are sick and must be around other people, wear a mask.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth frequently.
• Do not share food, drinks, or utensils (spoons, forks, cups) with others.

What happens if you get the flu? How long will it last?

Most people manage their flu symptoms at home and recover within a few days or a week . However, it can be serious, so it's important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. This is especially important if you have other underlying health conditions.

If you have the flu, you should avoid close contact with other people, except to seek medical advice.

The flu can last from a few days to about two weeks . Symptoms like fever and body aches come on suddenly, but they subside more quickly than other symptoms. Things like cough and runny nose can last for a while.

How long can the flu be contagious?

You can spread the flu from a day before you start having symptoms until about a week after you start having symptoms . It is most contagious for three to four days after symptoms start. People with weakened immune systems and young children can spread the flu even earlier.

When can I go back to work/school?

To prevent spreading the flu to others, you should wait at least 24 hours after your fever has completely subsided (without taking fever-reducing medication) before returning to work or school. Your workplace or school may have different rules regarding this, so check with them.

What other complications can occur due to the flu?

The flu virus itself can cause complications, or it can weaken your immune system and cause bacterial infections (`(secondary infection)`). The most common complications include:

• Ear infections
• Sinus infections
• A serious lung infection (pneumonia) . This pneumonia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
• A pregnant mother may have a miscarriage .
• A baby growing in a pregnant mother's womb can develop neural tube defects (NTDs) .

How many deaths are caused by the flu? Or is this a serious illness?

In a country like the United States, during a typical flu season, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 people die from the flu each year . Another 300,000 to 500,000 people become seriously ill and have to be hospitalized. So, it is clear that this is not a disease to be taken lightly.

What are the best times to see a doctor?

If you think you have the flu, it's important to get tested as soon as possible . This will help you get the most out of antiviral medications if your doctor decides to prescribe them. See a doctor right away if you:

• If you have flu symptoms and you are in a high-risk group.
• If your symptoms do not improve after 7-10 days, or if you have a fever for more than three days.
• If you are a pregnant mother and you have a fever or other flu symptoms.

When do you need to go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

If you have any of these serious symptoms, go to an emergency room or seek medical advice immediately:

• Very high fever (over 103 Fahrenheit/40 Celsius).
• Difficulty breathing.
• No or very little urine output.
• Persistent pain in the chest or abdomen.
• Feeling dizzy all the time.
• Confusion ( unsure of what is happening).
• Severe muscle pain or weakness.
• Pit one- `(Seizures)`) .
• Blue discoloration of the skin, lips, or fingernails (`(cyanosis)`) (this may be a sign of insufficient oxygen in the blood).
• If the fever or cough subsides and then comes back.
• If other chronic conditions are worsening.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, it's a good idea to ask questions like these:

• How should I take the medicine I was given?
• What kind of over-the-counter medications can I buy at the pharmacy?
• How can I manage my symptoms at home?
• What serious symptoms should I look out for?
• At what point should I go to the emergency room?
• Should I come see you again?
• How long will it take for me to fully recover?

Is this `(influenza)` also called `stomach flu`?

No. “Stomach flu” is what we usually call gastroenteritis . It is not caused by the influenza virus. It has nothing to do with the seasonal flu we are talking about.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Although the flu is a very common illness, it is important to remember that it can also cause life-threatening complications. Getting a flu vaccine (`(flu shot)`) is the best way to prevent yourself from getting sick. It can also protect your loved ones and neighbors.

If you have other underlying health conditions, or if you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu. No one is comfortable with the flu, but many people can get through it by staying home, getting plenty of rest, eating well (maybe a bowl of chicken soup, or watching a movie!). But if it's really bad, be sure to see a doctor.