Hello! How are you? These days, colds and flu are spreading everywhere. Sometimes it's just a common cold, but sometimes it can be something a little more severe. That's one of those things that we're going to talk about today, the 'Flu' or, in medical terms, `(Influenza)`. Many people also call it the 'viral flu'. So, let's see the exact details about this 'Flu'.
What is this 'flu' (influenza)?
Simply put, 'flu' is a disease caused by
a virus called `(Influenza)` that enters our body. It is a contagious disease. When you get 'flu', you experience symptoms like headache, body aches, sore throat, and fever. It also affects the respiratory system, so you may experience things like coughing and difficulty breathing. Sometimes these symptoms
can be a little more severe and severe. Especially during cold weather, that is, during winter, this 'flu' spreads the most. Then many people can get it at once. We call it an epidemic.
What is the most common time of year for flu?
Flu season is the period when the number of flu cases increases. In countries in the northern hemisphere (such as the United States), this period is considered to be from October to May.
The highest number of cases is reported between December and February. In our country, although flu cases are seen more or less throughout the year, the spread of the disease increases with cold and rainy weather.
How common is the flu?
The flu is
a very common disease. Even in a country like America, it is estimated that between 20 and 40 million people get the flu during each flu season. So imagine how quickly this spreads.
What is the difference between 'Flu' and the common cold?
Many people confuse the two. This is because both the flu and the common cold can have similar symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough.
But the main difference is that the symptoms of the common cold are often mild and go away in two to three days. But the symptoms of the flu can be more severe, can be severe, and can sometimes cause serious complications. Another important thing is that these two diseases are caused by two different types of viruses.
How do I know for sure if I have the 'Flu' or `(COVID-19)'?
This is a question that many people ask. Because the symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19 can be very similar. Therefore,
the only way to know for sure whether you have the flu or COVID-19 is to get tested. Both diseases carry a risk of serious complications. However, because these two infections are caused by different viruses, doctors use different medications to treat them.
Who is at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu?
People with certain health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, meaning they may need to be hospitalized. If you have any of the following conditions, you are at higher risk:
- If you have asthma , COPD , or another chronic lung disease.
- If you have a history of kidney, liver, nervous system, heart, or blood vessel disease, including a condition such as `(stroke)`.
- If you have a medical condition that causes problems with muscle function, or makes it difficult to cough, swallow, or clear fluids such as mucus from the respiratory tract.
- You have `(Diabetes)` ( If you have diabetes .
- If your immune system is weakened (for example, due to HIV/AIDS, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications).
- If you have a blood disease such as sickle cell disease.
- If your BMI (Body Mass Index) is more than 30, it means you are suffering from obesity .
- If you are under 5 years old or over 65 years old.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you are under 19 years old and you regularly take aspirin .
- If you live in a long-term care facility like a nursing home.
What are the symptoms of 'Flu'?
Flu symptoms usually
come on suddenly. These are the main symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches, muscle aches
- Cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose or congestion (`(congestion)`)
- Excessive fatigue, feeling weak
- Diarrhea or vomiting (this is most common in young children)
You don't have to have all of these symptoms at once. Some people may only have a few of them.
What causes the flu?
The flu is caused by a virus called `(Influenza)`. There are three main types of this virus that infect people. They are `(Influenza A)`, `(Influenza B)` and `(Influenza C)`. Of these, `(Influenza A)` and `(B)` are the two types that are most prevalent seasonally (that is, during the winter season) and can cause severe symptoms. The symptoms of the `(Influenza C)` virus are usually not as severe, and it is not a seasonal virus. Cases are reported more or less throughout the year. You may have heard of `(H1N1)` ("swine flu") and `(bird flu)`. Both of these 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. One person who has the flu can infect one or two other people.
How is the flu transmitted?
The influenza virus is spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. There are several main ways in which the flu can be transmitted:
- When someone nearby coughs, sneezes, or talks: The droplets can land on your hands, or they can travel through the air and enter your nose or mouth. The virus can then travel to your lungs.
- By touching a surface that has the virus on it and then touching your face, nose, mouth, or eyes: Examples of this include doorknobs, desks, computers, and phones.
- 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 to develop the flu after exposure to the virus?
If you are infected with the virus, symptoms usually appear
within one to four days of exposure. This time is called the ``incubation period``.
How to 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 put a soft, long, cotton-tipped swab (`(swab)`) into your nose to look for the `(influenza)` virus. Some tests can give you results in a few minutes. Or your doctor may send the sample to a lab, which can take a day or two to get the results.
How is the flu treated?
In some cases, doctors can treat the flu with antiviral medications. These medications can reduce your risk of getting sick and shorten the length of time you are sick. But many people can get over the flu without taking prescription medications. Doctors prescribe antivirals when:
- If you have symptoms less than 48 hours after they started: These drugs may be less effective if you start them more than two days after your symptoms start. This is because by then the virus has already made many copies and your body has started to make its own antibodies to fight it.
- If you have an underlying medical condition, or if you are at risk of developing the disease: In these cases, doctors may prescribe antivirals, even if symptoms have been present for more than 48 hours.
- If you have severe symptoms, even if it has been more than 48 hours since you became sick.
- If you live with or care for people who are at risk of severe complications from the flu.
What are the medicines for 'flu'?
There are several antiviral drugs for influenza:
- (Oseltamivir phosphate): You may also have heard of this under the brand name `(Tamiflu®)`. It comes in the form of tablets or a liquid and is taken by mouth. It is usually taken for several days.
- Zanamivir: This comes under the brand name Relenza®. It is inhaled through the mouth using an inhaler. It is usually taken for several days. However, it is not recommended for people with breathing problems such as asthma or COPD.
- Peramivir: This is available under the brand name Rapivap®. This is a medicine that your doctor gives directly into a vein (IV). It is usually given in one dose.
- (Baloxavir marboxil): This comes under the brand name `(Xofluza®)`. It is taken by mouth as a pill or liquid. You only need to take one dose. However, it is not recommended if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, hospitalized, or have certain chronic conditions.
Important: Before you start any antiviral medication, you should inform your doctor about any other health conditions you have.
Side effects of treatment
Each antiviral medication can have different side effects. However, the most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea. Inhaled medications can sometimes cause bronchospasm, a condition in which the airways suddenly narrow and become blocked.
How to manage flu symptoms at home?
Many people can manage flu symptoms at home using over-the-counter (OTC) medications and other home remedies, without seeking medical attention. Here are some of them:
- Rest well.
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water and broth , to prevent dehydration .
- For body pain, use hot water bottles or heat packs.
- You can take painkillers such as `(acetaminophen)` (e.g. `(Tylenol®)`), or `(NSAIDs)` (e.g. `(Advil®)`, `(Motrin®)`, `(Aleve®)`) to reduce fever and relieve headaches and body aches.
- Decongestants (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine) can be used as a spray or taken by mouth to relieve a runny nose or stuffy nose.
- Cough suppressants (antitussives) (e.g. dextromethorphan) can be taken to control frequent coughs.
- You can use medicines (`(expectorants)`) (e.g. `(guaifenesin)`) that help to easily expel mucus from the lungs.
Important: Not all OTC medications are suitable for everyone. So always check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication. Also, make sure it doesn't interact with other medications or supplements you are taking. Do not give aspirin to children under 16 years of age without first consulting a doctor.
How to prevent getting the flu?
The best and most important way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. This can be given as a shot or as a nasal spray. The influenza virus can mutate over time, so it is important to get a new vaccine every year.
There are several other ways to reduce the risk of getting the flu:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. If you sneeze, do not sneeze directly into your hand, but into your elbow or a tissue.
- Stay away from others if you or someone else has a contagious illness like 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, dishes, or cutlery with others.
What happens if you get the flu?
Most people can manage their flu symptoms at home and recover within a few days to 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 any underlying health conditions. If you have the flu, it's best to stay away from other people, except to seek medical attention.
How long has the flu been around?
The flu can last from a few days to about two weeks. Symptoms such as fever and body aches come on suddenly, but they subside more quickly than other symptoms. A cough or runny nose may last for a while.
How long is the flu contagious?
You can spread the flu to someone else from a day before you start having flu symptoms until about a week after symptoms start.
The most contagious time is the first three to four days after symptoms start.People with weakened immune systems and young children can be contagious for even longer.
When can I go back to work/school?
To prevent spreading the flu to others, you should return to work or school
after you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. Your workplace or school may have different rules.
Complications of the Flu
The influenza virus itself can cause complications, or the virus can weaken your immune system and allow bacteria to infect different parts of your body (secondary infection). These complications and secondary infections include:
- Ear infections (`(Ear infections)`)
- Sinus infections (`(Sinus infections)`)
- Severe lung infection (pneumonia). Pneumonia can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other life-threatening conditions.
- Miscarriages during pregnancy
- The occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in the fetus growing in the womb of a pregnant mother.
How many people die from the flu?
In a country like America, during a typical flu season, it's estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 people die from the flu each year. Another 300,000 to 500,000 people are hospitalized with serious illnesses. So this is not something to be taken lightly, is it?
When should I see a doctor?
If you think you have the flu,
it's important to get tested early. If your doctor prescribes antiviral medications, they may be more effective. See a doctor right away if:
- If you have flu symptoms and you have an underlying medical condition that puts you at higher risk of developing the disease.
- If your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days, or if you have a fever for more than three days.
- If you are pregnant and have a fever or other 'flu' symptoms.
When should I go to an emergency room ( ETU )?
If you have any of the following serious symptoms, go to an emergency room or seek immediate medical attention:
- High fever (over 103 Fahrenheit/40 Celsius).
- Difficulty breathing.
- No or very little urine output.
- Persistent chest or abdominal pain.
- Frequent dizziness.
- Confusion (`(Confusion)`).
- Severe muscle pain or weakness.
- Seizures (`(Seizures)`). (Oops, " Seizures " is Tamil. Corrected to Sinhala: " / (`(Seizures)`)").
- Blue color of the skin, lips, or fingernails (cyanosis) - This can be a sign of low oxygen levels in your blood or tissues.
- If the fever or cough gets better and then comes back.
- If your other health conditions get worse.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
- How should I take my medicine?
- What over-the-counter (`(over-the-counter)`) medications can I use?
- How can I treat my symptoms at home?
- What severe symptoms should I look out for?
- When should I go to the emergency room?
- When should I come see you again?
- How long will it take for me to recover?
Is 'stomach flu' also called '(influenza)'?
No. The disease called `(Gastroenteritis)` is what is commonly called ``stomach flu''. It is not caused by the `(Influenza)` virus. It has nothing to do with the seasonal ``flu''.
Finally, take-home message:
Although the flu is a very common illness, it is important to remember that it can cause life-threatening complications.
Getting a flu shot is the best way to prevent yourself from getting sick and protect your loved ones and neighbors. If you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu. Getting the flu is never fun, but many people can recover from it by staying home, maybe watching a good movie or drinking chicken soup. However, it is always important to be aware of the risk factors.
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