The flu is a sickness that you catch from a virus called influenza. When you get it, you usually feel pretty bad. You might have a headache, your muscles can ache, and your throat might feel sore.
You also get a fever and have problems with your breathing, like a cough or a stuffy nose. Sometimes, the symptoms can get really serious.
The flu happens a lot during the winter. That’s when it spreads around the most. During those cold months, a bunch of people can get sick at the same time, which is why you always hear about flu season.
How do I know if I have the flu or COVID-19?
Both sicknesses can be dangerous and make you really sick, especially for some people. But they are caused by different viruses. And because they are different, doctors use different medicines to treat each one. So, getting the right test is super important so you can get the right help.
Risk for complications from the Flu?
If you have these health conditions, they can put you at higher risk for severe illness. Some of thise requires proper hospitalization.
Asthma
Stroke
Diabetes
If you have a BMI greater than 30
If you are pregnant
Influenza Symptoms
If you have these symptoms, you might have influenza.
Fever
Chills
Cough
Sorethroat
Runny Nose
Diarrhea
Understanding the Major Causes of Flu?
Some of the most common types that are affecting people are Influenza A, B, and C. Most people get Influenza A and B in Winter and have severe symptoms.
Influenza C doesn’t cause severe symptoms, and it’s not seasonal.
Is the flu contagious?
Yes, the flu is contagious. Whoever is infected they spread the flu to one to two more people.
How Does the Flu Spread?
Influenza virus spreads from direct or indirect contact with someone else who’s infected.
- If you touch the surface thats is contaminated by the flu virus, then touch your face, nose, eyes, or mouth.
- By touching the hands or face of someone who has the flu, then touching your nose, face, mouth, or eyes.
- If someone is coughing, sneezes nearby. Droplets can either get onto your hands or move through the air to get into your nose or mouth, and then it moves to your lungs.
Management and Treatment for Flu (Influenza).
Healthcare Providers can treat the flu with antiviral medications under certain circumstances. Medications can reduce the risk of illness. Most of the time, people treat the flu without medications. Providers prescribe antivirals if you:
- Have had symptoms for under 48 hours. These Antivirals are less likely to work if you start them after two days of symptoms.
- If you have symptoms, even if you have been sick for longer than 48 hours.
What are the ways to manage symptoms of the flu?
There are so many ways to manage the symptoms of the flu at home with medications and other ways.
- Take a good amount of rest.
- Drink water to prevent Dehydration.
- Applying heat packs or hot water bottles can help with aching muscles.
What are the ways to prevent the flu?
The best way to reduce your risk is to get the flu vaccine yearly. The Influenza virus can change over time, so you need to get vaccinated every year.
Other ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu
- When you sneeze or cough, make sure you cover your nose and mouth. But don’t use your bare hands to do it. That just spreads germs everywhere you touch.
- Wash your hands with soap and water. If you can’t use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Dont be around people if you are or they are sick with the flu or other infectious disease.
- Try to wear a mask in public places
- Dont share food or eating utensils with others.
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you have symptoms of severe illness like High fever, difficult breathing, not peeing or peeing very little, or pain in your chest or stomach. If you observe any of these symptoms, you must seek immediate medical attention for proper Influenza treatment.
At Glow Primary Care in East Northport, NY, our best internist provides flu treatment with personalized care that will help you in severe conditions.
