12/18/2024
🫁What is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to hospitalization and even death.
😷Symptoms of Influenza
Common symptoms of influenza include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
🤧Influenza viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
💉Prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Other preventive measures include:
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs
💊Treatment
Most people with the flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. However, if you have symptoms and are in a high-risk group or are very sick, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Antiviral drugs can be prescribed to treat the flu. They are most effective when started within two days of getting sick, but they can also help if started later, especially in people who are very sick or at high risk of serious flu complications.
🤒 Complications
Flu can cause complications such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
🏥 Seek medical care immediately if you have symptoms of: severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chest pain, low oxygen saturations, dehydration, altered level of consciousness, etc.
