Have you been feeling fine all day and suddenly feel weak, achy, and have a fever? Maybe you've caught the dreaded 'flu'. It starts out as a common cold, but can quickly turn serious. So let's learn more about it today.
What exactly is influenza?
Simply put, the flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus called influenza. It mainly affects your nose, throat, and sometimes your lungs.
This is a very easy way to spread the flu. The virus is spread through tiny droplets of saliva that are released into the air when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks, and you can get sick if you breathe it in. You can also get sick if you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your nose, eyes, or mouth.
Some people only experience mild symptoms when they get the flu, while others can have severe symptoms and even require hospitalization. Although rare, the flu can be fatal. Getting a flu vaccine every year can help protect against this risk.
What are the common symptoms of the flu?
If you have the flu, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Severe pain in muscles and joints (arthralgia)
- Fatigue (excessive fatigue)
- Difficulty breathing
- Skin is red and warm
- Redness and tearing of the eyes
- Eye pain
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
The important thing is that instead of gradually worsening symptoms like the common cold, flu symptoms suddenly and very quickly become severe .
Vomiting and diarrhea are not common symptoms of the flu in adults, but young children can experience these symptoms.
Is this the flu? Or is it just a common cold?
The characteristics of both are similar, so sometimes they get confused. Okay, so let's see how to identify the exact difference between the two.
| Symptom | In case of flu | In the common cold |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | A fever often lasts for 3-4 days. | Very rarely. |
| Body pain | Often there is severe pain . | There may be slight pain. |
| Cooling down | Often seen. | Rarely seen. |
| Fatigue | Very common and severe. | It comes sometimes, but to a lesser extent. |
| Cough and chest discomfort | Often there is a severe dry cough. | You may have a slight cough. |
| Headache | A severe headache may occur. | Rarely. |
The difference between flu and COVID-19 (COVID-19)
Although both are respiratory infections, they are caused by two different types of viruses. Covid is caused by a coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Covid-19 is more contagious than the flu and can often be more severe.
It's hard to say exactly what's causing these two without testing. However, loss of smell and taste for no apparent reason (without nasal congestion) is a common symptom of COVID, but not of the flu.
If you think you have COVID-19 and have the following symptoms, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately or call an ambulance.
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or pressure that doesn't go away
- Lips, skin, or nails turning pale, gray, or blue
- Difficulty waking up or being unable to stay awake
- Confusion
What can you do at home when you have the flu?
In most cases, the flu can be treated and cured at home.
- Get plenty of rest: When you're sick, your immune system needs extra rest to function.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Fever can cause dehydration due to sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Water is best. However, warm liquids like tea, porridge, and soup can help relieve a sore throat. Stay away from sugary drinks and caffeinated beverages.
- Stay away from others: Stop spreading the illness to others. Avoid going to work or school until you are fully recovered.
- Painkillers: A painkiller such as Paracetamol can be used on medical advice.
A very important warning!
Do not give aspirin to anyone under 18 years of age. This can cause a rare but serious brain condition called Reye's syndrome. If you are taking any medication, talk to your doctor about it.
What if medical treatment is needed?
Flu is a viral infection and cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, if you are at risk of complications from the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication. These are most effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is one such medication.
Complications of the flu
People in good health are less likely to have serious problems with the flu, but some people are at higher risk of complications.
Risk categories:
- Children under 5 years of age (especially between 6 months and 2 years)
- People over 65 years old
- Pregnant mothers
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., those undergoing treatment for cancer)
- People with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease
Possible complications:
- Pneumonia
- Sinus infection (Sinusitis)
- Ear infection
- Bronchitis
- Myocarditis
When should I see a doctor?
If your symptoms are mild and you do not fall into one of the risk groups mentioned above, it is not necessary to see a doctor. You can recover by resting at home. However, if you are in a risk group or have any doubts or concerns about your symptoms, talk to a doctor immediately.
Situations requiring emergency medical treatment
Regardless of which category you fall into, if you have the following symptoms, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
| Emergency symptoms for adults | Emergency symptoms for young children |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | Rapid or difficult breathing |
| Chest pain or pressure | Blue skin or lips |
| Sudden dizziness, confusion | Not urinating for 8 hours, no tears when crying |
| Severe vomiting | Lack of interest in playing, lethargy |
| A fever or cough that subsides and then returns | High fever ( any fever is an emergency for babies under 12 weeks old) |
Take-Home Message
- Flu is a viral illness that comes on suddenly and is more severe than the common cold.
- Often, rest, drinking fluids, and taking painkillers as prescribed by a doctor, if necessary, are sufficient.
- If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and high fever , go to the Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- It is very important for people in risk groups (young children, the elderly, pregnant mothers, chronically ill patients) to seek medical advice as soon as symptoms appear.
- The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get the flu vaccine annually.
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