We all have had a cold or flu at some point in our lives. So you might think that this flu is just as common. In fact, most of the time it is. Even if you get it, you will recover completely without any problems in about a week or two. However, sometimes this flu can become a bit more severe, causing serious complications and requiring emergency treatment. So, it is very important for you and your family to know exactly where not to panic and where to see a doctor immediately.
What is the difference between the flu and the common cold?
Simply put, the flu is an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus called influenza. The virus can enter the body when we breathe it in, or it can be easily spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching our eyes, nose, or mouth. Symptoms usually appear within one to four days.
Many people confuse the flu with the common cold. However , the flu often starts more suddenly than the common cold, and symptoms come on more quickly. Also, although some people call it the "stomach flu," it is not the same as influenza. Flu rarely causes stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea) in adults.
The main symptoms of the flu are:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Feeling extremely tired
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Sneezing or stuffy nose
- Body ache that feels like your whole body hurts
What can you do at home when you have the flu?
There are only a few things you can do after you get the flu. The best thing to do is to get plenty of rest. However, the following can help manage your symptoms:
- Painkillers: You can use a painkiller such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to reduce body aches, headaches, and fever, as directed by your doctor.
- Fluids: Drink plenty of fluids like water, porridge, soup, and fruit juice to keep your body hydrated.
- Rest: Get as much rest as possible to help your immune system fight the virus.
Very important: Antibiotics do not cure the flu. Antibiotics are only used for bacterial infections. The flu is a viral infection. However, sometimes if the flu causes a secondary bacterial infection in the lungs, ears, or sinuses, you may need to take antibiotics only if a doctor recommends it.
Who is most at risk from the flu?
Usually, a healthy adult does not need to see a doctor when they get the flu. The illness often resolves with plenty of rest. However, some people are at higher risk of developing serious complications.
- Newborns and young children under 5 years of age (especially children under 2 years of age)
- People over 65 years of age
- Pregnant mothers
- People with chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes
- People who have a weakened immune system due to a disease like cancer or treatment
If someone like this gets the flu, they need to be more careful about the symptoms than the average person.
Warning signs that require immediate medical attention!
If you or someone in your family has the flu and you experience any of the symptoms below, it could be an emergency . This could mean that a serious internal complication (such as pneumonia) is developing. If this happens, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) or call an ambulance immediately .
| Warning Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Difficulty breathing | It becomes difficult to breathe, feels like you are suffocating, or your breathing rate is too fast. |
| Chest pain or pressure | The pain feels like the chest is being squeezed, like there is a weight on it. |
| Confusion or sudden dizziness | I feel lightheaded, like I'm forgetting where I am. |
| Bluish discoloration of the lips or skin | When the body does not get enough oxygen, the lips, nails, or skin may turn blue/purple. |
| Severe or persistent fever/cough | The fever gets better and then comes back, or the cough gets worse. |
| Coughing up blood | Blood mixed with mucus comes out. |
| Special warnings for children (For Children) | |
| Convulsions with fever | A child may have a fit during a high fever. |
| Croup cough | A cough that makes a deep, hoarse sound, like a dog barking. |
Let's also be aware of Reye's Syndrome, which is specific to children.
This is a rare but very dangerous condition. It mostly affects children. It usually occurs after a viral illness like the flu or chickenpox. This is especially true if the child has been given aspirin at that time. Reye's Syndrome can cause liver and brain damage.
The symptoms here are:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Confusion
- Unusual drowsiness
- Behavioral changes, such as sudden aggression
- Convulsion
- Fainting
Never give aspirin to a child or young person under 18 years of age for fever or body aches, for any reason, without your doctor's approval.
Take-Home Message
- Although the flu is usually not serious, it can sometimes cause dangerous complications.
- The best treatment for the flu is to get plenty of rest and fluids. Antibiotics will not cure the flu.
- Young children, the elderly, pregnant mothers, and people with chronic illnesses should be especially careful if they get the flu.
- If you have any of the warning signs, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or blue lips, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Never give aspirin to a child with a fever without the advice of a doctor.
- If you have any doubts or fears about flu symptoms, do not make decisions on your own and definitely see your doctor for advice.
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