Flu
Flu, known as Influenza, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Flu spreads by respiratory droplets and is very contagious. It can be transmitted verbally or by physical touch, like shaking hands.
Symptoms
Flu symptoms might include the following and appear suddenly:
- A rapid increase in temperature
- A hurting body
- Feeling worn out or drained
- Dried-up cough
- An upset stomach
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting or abdominal pain
- Being ill as well as feeling ill
Flu vs. common cold
Specific symptoms of the flu and severe cold are similar; people frequently misunderstand them.
There are some distinctions:
- The flu typically involves a fever, whereas a common cold does not include a fever
- While flu symptoms can emerge quickly, cold symptoms naturally arise slowly
- Usually speaking, flu symptoms are less severe than cold symptoms
- A person who has the flu may experience fatigue after several weeks
- The flu can be fatal and is more prone to cause complications
Self-care in treating a flu
- Sleep and relax
- Stay warm
- For pain relief and to reduce your temperature, try ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration
- Avoid alcohol
- Pause smoking
Preventing the spread of flu
The flu is contagious and quickly spreads to others. You’re more inclined to give it to someone else in the first five days.
Germs survive on hands and surfaces for 24 hours and cause the flu.
To lessen the chance of spreading:
-
- Frequently wash hands
- Screen your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
- Throw away soiled tissues
- If you have a fever or don’t feel well enough to engage in your usual activities, try to stay home and limit your contact
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022