Flu - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Definition of flu

Flu is a disease caused by a viral infection that can attack the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu or influenza is very common in the transition season. This disease is easily transmitted to others, especially when the first 3-4 days after the infected with the flu virus.

Symptoms of the flu that are usually felt by the sufferer are fever, headache, coughing, aches, loss of appetite, and sore throat. Flu symptoms will get worse for 2-4 days before finally improving and recovering.

Colds and colds are two different conditions. Common colds appear gradually with milder symptoms, so they don't have much impact on the routine of the sufferer. While the flu is not like that. This disease tends to cause more severe symptoms, so that it can interfere with the activity of the sufferer. In addition, the incubation period for flu is also shorter.

Flu Risk Factors

Although flu can attack everyone, but there are some people who are quite vulnerable to the flu virus. Example:

• Having a weak immune system.
• Pregnant or just giving birth.
• Toddler and elderly.
• Have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or obesity.
• Work or live in public facilities.
• The body is in a condition that is not fit or lack of rest.

Causes of Influenza

Influenza virus is a cause of flu in a person. In addition, a person can get out of this virus due to breathing air that has already been affected by influenza virus from an infected person. The method of transmission can be through sneezing or touching an object that has been contaminated with the flu virus. In addition, flu can also spread through contact with animals that are already infected.

Flu symptoms

When the flu strikes someone, the sufferer will experience several complaints. The following symptoms are generally people with natural flu:

• Aches.
• Dry cough.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or runny nose.
• Loss of appetite.

Flu diagnosis

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam, look for signs and symptoms of influenza, and possibly order a test that detects influenza viruses.

During times when influenza is widespread, you may not need to be tested for influenza. Your doctor may diagnose you based on your signs and symptoms.

In some cases, your doctor may suggest that you be tested for influenza. He or she may use various tests to diagnose influenza. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is becoming more common in many hospitals and labs. This test may be done while you're in your doctor's office or in the hospital. PCR testing is more sensitive than other tests and may be able to identify the influenza strain.

To diagnose flu, there are a number of things that doctors will do. First, doctors usually will conduct medical interviews about complaints or symptoms experienced by patients. For example, are there symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, or hoarseness. In addition, the doctor will also do a physical examination (fever can be found). If necessary, the doctor will conduct a supporting examination (blood test) if flu symptoms have lasted more than 10 days.

Flu Medication Flu complications Flu that is not handled properly, has the possibility to cause other health problems. Here are some complications caused by flu.

• Asthma attack.
• Heart Disorders.
• Ear infection.

Flu Medication

Generally, the flu can heal by itself. The treatment steps are adequate rest, lots of drinking, and keeping the body warm. It is recommended for people with fever-reducing drugs. Fever-lowering drugs can also reduce the symptoms of pain and aches from the flu. People with antibiotics are not recommended because this drug works to kill bacteria, while the flu is caused by a virus.

Flu Prevention

Like the previous explanation, the flu can spread through sneezing or touching objects that have been contaminated with the flu virus. Therefore, to prevent the occurrence of flu, cleanliness must always be maintained. Always wash your hands and wear a mask when traveling, especially if there are people around you who have the flu. Another preventive measure is vaccination, but this method is only recommended for those who are more susceptible to flu complications.

Treatment

Usually, you'll need nothing more than bed rest and plenty of fluids to treat the flu. But if you have severe infection or are at higher risk for complications, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab) or baloxavir (Xofluza). These drugs may shorten your illness by a day or so and help prevent serious complications.

Oseltamivir is an oral medication. Zanamivir is inhaled through a device similar to an asthma inhaler and shouldn't be used by anyone with certain chronic respiratory problems, such as asthma and lung disease.

Antiviral medication side effects may include nausea and vomiting. These side effects may be lessened if the drug is taken with food.

Most circulating strains of influenza have become resistant to amantadine and rimantadine (Flumadine), which are older antiviral drugs that are no longer recommended.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you do come down with the flu, these measures may help ease your symptoms:

• Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration.
• Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection. You may need to change your activity level, depending on your symptoms.
• Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), to combat the achiness associated with influenza. Children and teens recovering from flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin because of the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition.

To help control the spread of influenza in your community, stay home and keep sick children home until fever has been gone for 24 hours.

When to see a doctor?

If you show flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, talk to your doctor immediately to get the right treatment.


source:halodoc.com,mayoclinic.org

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