Flu (Influenza): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Flu is one of the most prevalent infectious illnesses. Symptoms come fast. So, any person can get ill with the flu. However, few individuals are at a high risk of catching it. Few are also contagious (it spreads from one person to another). Read below to know the causes, signs, and treatment of influenza.

Causes

Did you know around 20-40 million individuals in the USA suffer from it every flu season? Remember, influenza is contagious. The virus spreads via the droplets of respiratory fluids sent through the air. It mainly occurs when the infected person sneezes or coughs. Influenza can also proliferate when the infected individual touches countertops, doorknobs, or other surfaces with a virus on them. You will find flu cases mainly in crowded areas like offices, schools, etc.

Flu takes 1 to 4 days to multiply in humans. Adults stay infected for 5 to 7 days. However, young kids remain infected for more days. There are three kinds of influenza viruses – A, B, and C Influenza A and influenza B.

Influenza A and B are the most epidemic and related to seasonal flu. Bird flu and swine flu are the subtypes of influenza A. However, influenza C occurs rarely and does not cause serious signs. Influenza viruses are changing frequently. If you have it before, your body has already created antibodies to fight that virus stain.

Symptoms

Signs of flu usually begin quickly. After you get in touch with the virus, you will start feeling it in nearly 1 to 7 days. Flu signs in infants and preschool kids are tough to spot because they are much similar to those caused by other viruses. Children usually experience high temperatures, unlike adults (103 deg Fah to 105 deg Fah).

Below are the common symptoms that can occur:

• Headache.
• Chills.
• Lack of energy.
• Vomiting.
• Body pain.
• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Flushed face.

The following signs may also occur:

• Soreness in the throat.
• Dry cough.
• Runny nose.
• Sneezing.
• Symptoms that affect breathing.

Most signs of flu vanish in 4-7 days. The flu can make breathing issues and other long-term chronic conditions and illnesses worth it.

Note: For emergency warning signs, call 911 or contact the emergency room Houston today.

Treatment and Prevention

The flu treatment at ER near you incorporates different methods to prevent the spread of the virus. The common treatment is taking a lot of beverages and getting proper rest. The doctor will also prescribe certain medicines for particular symptoms.

For example, for cough relief, the expert prescribes cough suppressants. Sometimes, the professional suggests antivirus medications to treat the flu. They help to reduce the duration of flu and minimize signs when taken within two days of the startup. These medications are beneficial for adults and children after getting in close contact with the infected person.

The doctor recommends antivirals, especially for individuals at risk for a few complications. Flu antibodies are another way to prevent the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is the only method to generate antibodies. Since the virus can alter from year to year, patients need to receive flu shots every year. The doctor highly advises it for anyone six months old or more than that. Individuals with serious flu allergies or any ingredient in the flu vaccine must not get a flu shot.

The following people are more prone to flu and must get vaccinated if you:

• Have a heart condition.
• Have a kidney issue.
• Have a lung disease.
• Have neurodevelopment or neurological conditions.
• Have cancer of weak immune system.
• Have been diagnosed with morbid obesity (body mass index of 40 or more).
• Have diabetes or other metabolic diseases.
• Are pregnant.
• Are aged 6 months – 59 months.
• Are taking long-term ASA therapy and are aged 6 months – 18 years.
• Are residing in a long-term care facility or nursing home.
• Are 65 or more.

Although the flu vaccine is a highly effective method to prevent flu, there is still a risk. But you can minimize the risk of flu by practicing hand washing with warm water and soap daily or using an alcohol-based sanitizer. After sneezing or coughing into a tissue, dispose of it quickly. For more tips, get in touch with the Ascent Emergency Room today.