Flu (Influenza) article Contributed by: Rachana Arya
Influenza or Flu is a global public health problem and India is no exception. It is a major cause of disease and mortality in India. Influenza is a major problem, especially among high-risk patients such as the elderly, patients with co-morbidities, and people with compromised immune systems. Fortunately, it is a disease that can be prevented. In this blog we will learn more about this disease.
FAQ # 1: What is the flu?
Influenza, sometimes called the flu, is an upper respiratory infection caused by the influenza A or B virus.
FAQ # 2: What are some symptoms of the flu?
Influenza causes mild to severe symptoms and life-threatening complications, even in healthy children and adults. It is characterized by sudden fever, muscle pain, cough, chest congestion, chills, and fatigue are common flu symptoms that come on suddenly and last for a few hours.
Although vomiting and diarrhea are common in children, they are not typical flu symptoms in adults. Other clinical manifestations can include headache, severe cough, extreme fatigue, muscle pain, and a runny or stuffy nose
FAQ # 3: Can you get the flu twice?
Yes sir. Influenza viruses change often.
FAQ # 4: How quickly do the first symptoms appear?
It takes approximately 2 days from the moment a person is exposed to and infected with the flu to symptoms appear, but in some cases it can take anywhere from 1 to 4 days. People who have become infected can pass the flu on to others before their own symptoms appear.
FAQ # 5: How long does influenza flu last?
Symptoms often appear one to four days after exposure to the virus and last for five to seven days. Symptoms may be shorter or less severe in people who have had the flu shot. In some people, symptoms can last longer. Even if your symptoms go away, you may still feel tired.
FAQ # 6: How can I relieve the symptoms of the flu as quickly as possible?
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- Stay at home
- Try to get enough rest
- Drink enough fluids
- Steaming
- Eat light meals
- Get a lot of sleep
- Stay warm
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Use of a humidifier
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
FAQ # 7: Is the flu contagious?
Yes, influenza is a highly contagious disease and can easily be passed from one person to another.
FAQ # 8: How does the flu spread?
Most experts believe that flu viruses are transmitted through droplets of breath, coughing, sneezing, and contact with droplets of breath on people or objects, and then by touching the mucous membranes (mouth, nose, and eyes) without washing hands.
FAQ No. 9: How long is the flu infection time?
People are most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after a flu infection. Some otherwise healthy adults can infect others a day before symptoms appear and five to seven days after they develop the disease.
FAQ No. 10: Who is Most Likely to Have the Flu?
Anyone (including healthy people) can get the flu, and significant complications from the flu can occur at any age, although some people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications if they get sick. People who are at higher risk for flu-related complications include:
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- Children (especially under two years of age)
- Adults (from 65 years)
- Pregnant woman
- Women up to two weeks after giving birth
Patients with comorbid illnesses, including:
FAQ # 11: Is Steam Inhalation Good For The Flu?
If you have influenza, inhaling steam can help clear your nasal and airways, but it won’t actually cure your condition. Most of the work to get rid of the virus causing your symptoms is still done by your immune system.
FAQ # 12: When does the flu require hospitalization?
Adults with a fever above 102 degrees and any of the flu-like symptoms listed below should seek medical attention immediately:
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- Difficulty breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
FAQ # 13: Are you at risk for other infections if you get influenza?
Yes, you are more likely to get other infections if you get influenza. These include infections of the lungs, such as viral or bacterial pneumonia. The risk of complications can be very dangerous and life threatening.
FAQ # 14: Is Long-Term Natural Immunity to Influenza Possible?
Because the virus is constantly changing, it is impossible to develop long-term natural immunity to influenza.
FAQ # 15: How can you reduce the risk of influenza infection?
You can reduce your chances of catching the flu or spreading it to others by doing the following:
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- Regularly practicing hand washing etiquette
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that people come into contact with and dispose of used tissues in the trash immediately.
- Coughing and sneezing into your shirt sleeve or handkerchief instead of your hands
- Stay at home
- Influenza vaccination
FAQ # 16: What Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies Help Treat Symptoms Of The Flu?
The Ayurvedic herbs that can serve as effective anti-flu agents are thyme, mint, eucalyptus, basil, ginger, and rosemary. Ayurvedic kadhas are the best selling remedy against Relieving symptoms of flu-like illness these days.
Final thoughts
It’s important to remember that while the flu is most common in children and young adults, the flu can affect people of all ages. If you feel uncomfortable with the above symptoms, you should call your doctor’s office.
Do you feel the symptoms? Let yourself be tested today!
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Reference: blog.healthians.com
