Flu (Influenza)

The flu, also known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs, and can range from mild to severe.

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a viral infection that is spread through the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, releasing droplets that contain the virus. It can also be spread by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms of Influenza

The symptoms of influenza can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache and fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children than adults)

Some people may also experience more severe symptoms, such as:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinus and ear infections
• Wheezing and shortness of breath

Treatments for Influenza

Treatment for influenza usually focuses on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's immune system. Common treatments include:

• Rest and hydration: Getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids, such as water, clear broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks, can help to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen), decongestants, and cough suppressants, can help to relieve symptoms like fever, headache, and cough.
• Antiviral medications: Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), can help to shorten the duration and severity of influenza. These medications work best when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Prevention of Influenza

Preventing influenza is key to avoiding the illness. Common prevention methods include:

• Vaccination: Getting an annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent influenza. The vaccine is usually available in the fall and protects against the most common strains of the virus.
• Good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, can help to prevent the spread of influenza.
• Avoiding close contact: Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching surfaces or objects that may have the virus on them can also help to prevent the spread of influenza.

Complications of Influenza

In some cases, influenza can lead to complications, such as:

• Pneumonia: Bacterial pneumonia is a common complication of influenza, especially in older adults and young children.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): In severe cases, influenza can cause ARDS, a life-threatening condition that requires hospitalization and mechanical ventilation.
• Other complications: Other potential complications of influenza include sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, and exacerbation of underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes.

High-Risk Groups for Influenza

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing severe illness from influenza, including:

• Older adults (65 years and older)
• Young children (under 5 years old)
• Pregnant women
• People with certain chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
• People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy

These groups should take extra precautions to prevent influenza and seek medical attention immediately if they develop symptoms.