Influenza, commonly known as “flu”, is an infectious disease caused by an influenza virus also known as acute respiratory infection. It is not limited to humans; most mammals and many birds can also get influenza. The virus is spread through the air from coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching surfaces infected by the virus and then touching the mouth or eyes. Here are the symptoms and what to do if you get the flu.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Ear pressure
- Earache
- Muscle pains
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Irritated, watering eyes
- Reddened eyes, skin (especially face), mouth, throat, and nose
- Petechial rash
- In children, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, (may be severe in children with influenza B)
Complications – What to Do If You Get the Flu
Complications in influenza may grip pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, sinus problems, and falling of previous health problems such as asthma or heart failure.
Treatment
- Gargling: A saltwater gargle can relief a sore throat for this mix up the solution with a teaspoon of salt dissolved into a pint of previously boiled water that’s been permitted to cool.
- Warm drinks: Having warming drinks reliefs’ stuffiness and aids soothe nose and throat. Some cold and flu medicines are made with boiled water, but a cup of tea may also make you feel a bit better.
- Steamy shower: shower may feel you good and better still breathing in the steam helps to cleanse the nasal passages.
- Grab an extra pillow in bed: Keeping the head a little higher can help relieve jammed passages in the nose.
- Steaming, vaporizers, and humidifiers: Inhale steam to comfort your jamming and dripping nose. You can buy steaming devices. Vaporizers, as are humidifiers.
- Salt water (saline) nose rinsing: A saltwater solution for the nose, saline nasal rinse – is an actual way to ease nasal and clear out viruses and bacteria from the nose.
Prevention – What to Do If You Get the Flu
Visit your Doctor: Most coughs and colds will pass with time, but if these symptoms come on suddenly, and are combined with aching, headaches, or a fever; it’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Antiviral medication works best within 48 hours of getting sick.
Get vaccination: you should take flu vaccination every year as it protects you against the current strains of flu also body immunity to the virus decays overtime, which is another reason why is it important to keep going back yearly vaccination.
Sanitize your stuff: The influenza virus is a tough virus. It can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. Clean and sterilize your surroundings and the things you use often, like your cell phone or laptop. Linens and dishes should be carefully washed before anyone else uses them.
