What Is Influenza
Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness that is
caused by a virus. Flu is highly contagious and is usually spread
by the coughs and sneezes of a person who is infected. You can
also catch flu from an infected person if you touch them (e.g.
shaking hands). Adults are contagious one day before getting
symptoms and up to 7 days after becoming ill. This means that you
can spread the influenza virus before you even know you are
infected. A flu epidemic, when a large number of people in one
country are infected with flu, can last several weeks.
What are the symptoms of
flu?
It is common to confuse flu with a bad cold. Flu and cold symptoms
may include a runny/blocked nose, sore throat, and cough. Here are
some symptoms which a person with flu will have. These are not
common heavy cold symptoms:
high temperature
cold sweats, shivers
headache
aching joints, aching limbs
fatigue, feeling utterly exhausted
gastro-intestinal symptoms, such as nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children than
adults
These symptoms may linger for
about a week. The feeling of tiredness and gloom can continue for
several weeks.
What
should I do if I have flu?
As flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't do any good, unless
the flu has led to another illness. Some of the symptoms, such as
headache and body pains may be alleviated if you take a
painkiller. Some painkillers, such as aspirin, should not be given
to children under 12 (Department of Health, United Kingdom). If
you have flu you should:
stay at home
try to avoid contact with other people
keep warm and rest
make sure you consume plenty of liquids
don't consume alcohol
if you are a smoker stop smoking or cut your
consumption down as much as you can
try to get some food down (eat what you can)
if you live alone, tell a relative, friend or
neighbor that you have flu. Make sure someone can check in on
you and do your shopping
If I
have flu should I tell my doctor?
According The Department of Health, you should only contact your
doctor if you are frail or elderly, your temperature remains high
after four to five days, your symptoms worsen, you think you are
seriously ill, you become short of breath, and/or you develop
chest pain. A phone call to your doctor if you are worried may be
a better solution than making an appointment.
Growing Stronger, Growing
Better
Global Health
Healthcare Provider
Influenza - treatment of Influenza, Influenza
types, Disease medicines, Influenza symptoms, Influenza and Disease
symptoms, Influenza symptoms Disease and diagnosis, Symptoms and Solutions,
Signs and Symptoms, type of Influenza, cause common, common Influenza,
Influenza List, causes list, Infectious Influenza, Causes, Diseases , Types,
Prevention, Treatment and Facts, Influenza information, Influenza:
Definition, Influenza names, medical Influenza, medical Influenza and
disorders, cell Influenza, Influenza Worldwide, Influenza Research,
Influenza Control, Influenza Center, Digestive Influenza Week, Information
about Influenza, causes of different Influenza, Influenza Articles,
Influenza and conditions, Health and Influenza, Influenza Patients,
Influenza and Sciences, causes of alzheimer's Influenza, Influenza causes,
alternative medicine heart Influenza, body ailments, Influenza medicines,
medical antiques, type of blood Influenza
Quality
