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Flu Symptoms: Introduction, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms are fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat etc. Check this article to know more about the Fly Symptoms.
authorImageJasdeep Bhatia29 May, 2024
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Flu Symptoms

You have reached the proper destination if you were looking for information on Flu Symptoms . This article will discuss the causes of the flu and its symptoms, diagnosis, and potential associated consequences. Additionally, we will better understand the distinctions between the common cold and the influenza virus, two conditions that frequently lead to confusion among most readers.

People pressed for time should read as much of the article as possible, even if it's just the paragraph that introduces the topic and the important topics. This is the very minimum of the stuff that has to be read.

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Introduction

The flu, often known as influenza, is an extremely contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. A fever, cough, sore throat, body pains, exhaustion, and headache are some of the symptoms associated with this condition. In high-risk populations, such as the elderly, very young children, and persons with preexisting medical disorders, the flu can be severe and could result in hospitalisation or even death. This is the case with children who are younger than five years old. The best approach to protect yourself against the flu is to be vaccinated against it every year and to maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness. This includes washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you end up being sick with the flu, it is required that you stay in bed for as long as possible and consume a lot of fluids. Doctors may recommend antiviral medicine to lessen the intensity of the symptoms. Vaccination against influenza should be required since it helps humans avoid getting the flu and lessens the severity of its effects. Vaccinating children against influenza before they reach the age of 12 is required since this helps young children have a healthier immune system, which is important in reducing the risk of an influenza pandemic.

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Causes of Flu

The influenza virus is a respiratory pathogen that is extremely infectious and is responsible for causing the flu. There are several subtypes of the influenza virus, the most common of which is type A, which also has the highest risk of causing serious disease. Other subtypes of the virus include influenza B and influenza C.

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Transmission of Flu

  • The flu is extremely infectious and can be passed from person to person either through the air or by contacting an object or surface that is contaminated with the virus and then touching one's own eyes, nose, or mouth thereafter.
  • The influenza virus may be passed from one person to another by droplets expelled into the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets have the potential to float through the air and be ingested by persons who are near them.
  • It is also possible to contract influenza by contacting a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then touching one's own eyes, nose, or mouth thereafter. This is why it is essential to regularly wash your hands, particularly after touching surfaces in public locations or in close contact with a sick person. Washing your hands is especially necessary after these types of interactions.
  • Close contact with an infected person, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils, is another method by which the influenza virus can be passed on. This method is in addition to droplet transmission and contact transmission.

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Influenza Virus

Influenza virus is categorised into three subtypes A, B and C:

Influenza A Virus

It is a subtype of the influenza virus that causes the flu. It is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets and close contact. It is possible for it to become serious, which may require hospitalisation. Preventing its spread involves getting a flu shot and practising good hygiene.

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Influenza B Virus

Another subtype of the influenza virus responsible for causing the flu is the influenza B virus. Although it is not as severe as influenza A, it still has the potential to make people sick.

Influenza C Virus

The influenza C virus is a subtype of the influenza virus that is less frequent and causes symptoms that are less severe than those caused by influenza A and B. The transmission of influenza C can be slowed down by practising proper hygiene, such as washing one's hands often.

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Symptoms of Flu

Some symptoms of flu are:
  • Fever : Fever is a frequent disease symptom that is characterised by a brief elevation in body temperature over the normal range (often 100.4° F or 38° C ). Fevers are triggered by the body's immune system's attempt to combat an infection. Other symptoms, including weariness, headache, and muscular pains, are frequently present.
  • Cough : Coughing is a reflex that occurs suddenly and often to cleanse the throat of mucus, external irritants, or other substances. Several things, such as infections, allergies, smoking, and certain medical problems can cause it. A cough can be dry or productive, ranging from moderate to severe. The underlying cause of the cough determines the treatment.
  • Headache :  A headache is a frequent head, scalp, or neck pain. Many causes, including stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and certain medical problems, might contribute to it. The symptoms can be minor to severe and may be accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. The underlying cause of the headache determines the treatment.
  • Chills and sweating : Chills and sweating are physical symptoms that can occur concurrently or independently. Chills are characterised by a chilly sensation, shivering, and a fever frequently accompanying goosebumps. They happen when the body's temperature lowers and muscles contract to create heat. Chills and sweating are common symptoms of the body combating an infection or sickness.
  • Runny nose : A runny or stuffy nose, characterised by nasal discharge and clogged nasal passages, is a frequent symptom of upper respiratory infections, allergies, or colds.
  • Sneezing : Sneezing is a reflex that helps to eliminate irritants or debris from the nasal passages. It is triggered by nerve stimulation in the nose and frequently indicates an allergy or upper respiratory illness.
  • Sore throat : A sore throat is a common condition marked by pain or discomfort in the throat, frequently caused by infection, inflammation, or other medical disorders. Pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are over-the-counter and can help reduce pain and discomfort.
  • Nausea : Nausea is a pain in the upper abdomen frequently accompanied by the desire to vomit.
  • Vomiting : Vomiting is the violent and forceful ejection of stomach contents through the mouth.
  • Fatigue : Fatigue is characterised by feelings of weakness, fatigue, and a lack of vitality. Many causes can contribute to it, including a lack of sleep, stress, disease, and certain medical disorders.
  • Loss of appetite : Fatigue is characterised by feelings of weakness, fatigue, and a lack of vitality. Many causes can contribute to it, including a lack of sleep, stress, disease, and certain medical disorders.

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Treatment of Flu

The flu is often treated with self-care methods and over-the-counter drugs to alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and muscle pains. Antiviral medicine may be provided to patients in more severe situations. To prevent the virus from spreading to other people, drinking lots of water, getting plenty of rest, and keeping away from other people are essential. It is essential to get medical attention as soon as possible if the symptoms worsen or continue.

Flu Vs Cold

The flu and the common cold are both infections that affect the respiratory system, but distinct viruses cause them. The symptoms of the flu and the common cold are quite similar to one another; however, the flu is often more severe and develops all of a sudden. Sneezing, coughing, a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing are all common symptoms of the common cold. The symptoms of the flu, on the other hand, are typically more severe and might include a dry cough, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains, and weariness. Both the common cold and influenza may be treated using self-care techniques and over-the-counter drugs, as they are the most effective ways to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.

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Q1. Can the flu cause more significant health issues?

Ans- The flu can cause more significant health complications in rare situations. People with certain underlying medical illnesses, such as heart, diabetes, or lung disease, are more likely to experience flu complications. Other common flu complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections.  The flu can also lead to hospitalisation in severe instances, particularly in the elderly, small children, and persons with weaker immune systems.

Q2. Is it possible to have the flu more than once in a season?

Ans- Yes, you can catch the flu more than once in a season. This is because various strains of influenza viruses circulate each year, and it is possible to become infected with many strains within the same season. Furthermore, some people who have already been sick with the flu might get infected again if exposed to a new strain of the virus.

Q3. What is the duration of the flu?

Ans- The flu normally lasts one to two weeks. However, symptoms might last longer in some people, particularly those with underlying medical issues. The most severe symptoms usually appear within the first three to five days and progressively improve over the next several days.

Q4. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with getting vaccinated against the flu?

Ans- It is generally agreed that the flu vaccination is both safe and effective and that any adverse effects that may occur are often moderate and temporary. A painful, reddened, or swollen area at the injection site, a low-grade fever, muscular aches or weariness, headache, nausea, chills, or excessive sweating are some of the most frequent adverse reactions that can occur after receiving a flu shot.

Q5. If you are administered the flu vaccine, will you still get the flu?

Ans- No, receiving a flu vaccine will not get you sick with the flu. Depending on the kind of influenza vaccination, it may include inactivated (dead) viruses or a portion of the virus that cannot cause illness (such as the protein). After receiving the vaccination, some individuals may suffer symptoms similar to the flu, such as a mild temperature, muscle aches and pains, and weariness. These adverse effects are often minimal and pass quickly, indicating that the body's immune system reacts well to the vaccination.

Q6. Is there anything that can be done to treat the flu at home?

Ans- It is true that many variants of flu may be treated successfully at home. The flu can be treated successfully at home by getting lots of rest, maintaining proper hydration, using a humidifier, and avoiding close contact with ill people.
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