No matter how healthy you are, getting the flu can keep you confined to bed for days, sometimes weeks. While some people are more likely to develop complications from the flu, anyone can develop conditions like sinusitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia. But if you know the symptoms and how to take precautions, you can go a long way toward avoiding these problems and staying healthy.
What exactly is Flu?
Simply put, it is a highly contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. It usually spreads most during the colder months of the year. When this virus enters the body, it causes symptoms quickly and severely. It can also spread throughout your upper respiratory tract and sometimes even affect your lungs.
Common symptoms of the flu
When you have the flu, you may experience one or more of these symptoms. See the table below to clearly distinguish and identify them.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Fever | A high fever may occur. |
| Headache | A severe headache may occur. |
| Fatigue | You may feel extremely tired. |
| Cough | Recurrent cough. |
| Sore throat | Sore or scratchy throat. |
| Cold | Runny nose or nasal congestion. |
| Body pain | Muscle aches all over the body. |
| Vomiting and diarrhea | It is more common in young children than in adults. |
What are the main complications that can come with the flu?
The main complications of the flu are viral or bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, ear infections, and sinus infections. These are especially common in young children.
In addition, any chronic medical conditions you already have, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes, may be made worse by the flu.
In more severe cases, muscle inflammation (`Myositis`), central nervous system problems, and even very serious conditions such as heart attacks, inflammation of the heart muscle (`Myocarditis`), and inflammation of the membrane around the heart (`Pericarditis`) can occur.
Who is at higher risk of developing these complications?
Although the flu is a disease that can affect anyone, some people are more likely to experience complications from it.
This risk is higher for the following groups.
| Risk group |
|---|
| Adults over 65 years of age. |
| Young children from 6 months to 4 years old. |
| Those staying in nursing homes or elderly homes. |
| Adults and children with long-term medical conditions such as heart disease or lung disease. |
| People with weakened immune systems (for example, those with HIV/AIDS). |
| Pregnant mothers. |
Let's talk specifically about pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a serious complication of the flu. There are two ways this can happen. One is when the flu virus itself enters the lungs directly. The other is when a bacterial infection develops in the lungs while you have the flu. If you get pneumonia, it can make you very sick, and you may need to be hospitalized.
Symptoms of pneumonia
- Chills, high fever, and excessive sweating.
- Coughing with green or bloody phlegm .
- Difficulty breathing and rapid breathing.
- Feeling a sharp pain in the chest when taking a deep breath.
- Lips or fingernails turning blue due to lack of oxygen.
- Some adults may not have these symptoms, just feeling stomach pain.
If you have a bacterial infection with the flu, your flu symptoms may subside at first, then return with a more severe fever and a cough that produces green mucus. If you have these symptoms, see a doctor right away . Your doctor can do tests to confirm whether you have pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, but viral pneumonia cannot.
Is there a vaccine for pneumonia?
Yes, there are several vaccines that protect against the types of bacteria that cause pneumonia. These are called ``(PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, PPSV23)``. The dose and timing of administration vary depending on age and other medical conditions.
The pneumonia vaccine is generally recommended for all children under the age of 2. Adults over the age of 65 are also advised to get the vaccine. Additionally, if you are a smoker or have any of the following chronic conditions, talk to your doctor about getting the vaccine.
- Alcohol addiction
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Lung diseases such as COPD
- Kidney disease
When should I see a doctor immediately?
If you have any of the following warning signs , it could be something more serious than a common flu. So, see a doctor immediately. If necessary, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
| Warning signs - seek medical advice immediately! | |
|---|---|
| 1. | If you have a high fever with shivering. |
| 2. | If you cough up blood-tinged phlegm. |
| 3. | If you have difficulty breathing or rapid breathing. |
| 4. | If you feel chest pain. |
| 5. | If you are making a whistling sound when breathing. |
Can these complications be prevented?
Many complications can be controlled, but depending on the weakness of your immune system, some may be difficult to prevent.
The most important thing is to see your doctor within 48 hours of the first symptoms of the flu. Ask your doctor about flu antiviral drugs. If you start taking these drugs early, they can help reduce your symptoms and help you get better faster.
Take-Home Message
- Flu is not just a common cold. It can cause serious complications like pneumonia.
- Always be aware of warning signs such as high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and bloody phlegm.
- If you are in a risk group (elderly, young child, pregnant mother, or chronically ill), be extra careful.
- See a doctor within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms to discuss antiviral medications.
- Talk to your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine and get it if necessary.
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