Flu (Influenza)

Winter can’t pass without seeing people with the flu (influenza), which is a seasonal condition that causes tiring and sometimes severe symptoms.

Flu (influenza)

The flu, or influenza is an extremely common respiratory infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs due to a virus. The flu usually occurs in the winter, when a ton of people have it at the same time.

A distinction must be made between the flu (influenza), the common cold, and corona (covid-19). The symptoms of the flu and the common cold are similar, but the common cold is usually mild while the flu is severe and might lead to serious complications.

As for corona (covid-19), its symptoms are very similar to those of the flu, and they both can lead to severe complications; therefore, specific tests might be done sometimes to diagnose the condition.

Causes and risk factors leading to the flu (influenza)

The flu (influenza) occurs due to the influenza virus, which has several types. The flu virus spreads between people through coughing, sneezing, and talking; it also spreads by touching the contaminated surfaces.

The risk of having the flu (influenza) increases in cases of:

• The patient is a two-year-old child or younger or an adult who is 65 years old or older.
• There are other illnesses, such as asthma, COPD, any chronic lung disease, kidney, liver, heart, nervous, or blood vessel diseases, diabetes, and sickle cell anemia.
• The immunity is weak, such as having aids, cancer, or immunosuppressants.
• Pregnancy.
• Obesity.
• People who live in a long-term care facility.
• People under the age of 19 and take aspirin.

Symptoms of flu (influenza)

• Fever and chills.
• Muscle pain and extreme tiredness.
• Headaches.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose or congestion.
• Diarrhea or vomiting, usually in children

Complications of flu (influenza)

• Sinus or ear infections.
• Pneumonia, which might lead to acute respiratory distress.
• Neural tube defects in the fetus.
• Miscarriage in the pregnant woman.
• Muscle damage or inflammation.
• Toxic shock syndrome.

Diagnosis of flu (influenza)

• In most of the cases, the diagnosis is done by asking about the symptoms and doing a physical examination.
• In some cases, specific tests might be needed, such as the nasal swab.

Treatment of flu (influenza)

• In most of the cases, the patient recovers alone by resting, drinking fluids, and taking painkillers and some drugs to manage the symptoms, if needed.
• In severe cases, specific antivirals might be used.

Prevention of flu (influenza)

• Practice good hygiene and frequently wash your hands.
• Leave spaces between you and sick people.
• Don’t share your personal tools and eating utensils with anyone.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Don’t touch your face before washing the hands.
• There are flu (influenza) vaccines.