Flu (or influenza) is a respiratory ailment that is caused by a virus. It is highly contagious and is usually spread by the sneezes and coughs of an infected person. Touching an infected person, like shaking their hands, may also lead to the spreading of influenza. Most adults are contagious for 1-2 days before getting the symptoms and will be so up to 7 days after becoming ill. It means that one can spread the influenza virus even before they know that they are infected.

Fast facts on flu

• Most antibiotics cannot be used to treat influenza.
• Almost 5-20 percent of Americans develop influenza.
• All the experts agree that the best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated each year.
• The influenza vaccine is not suitable for everyone, like those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

Symptoms
Influenza is usually uncomfortable, but it’s not life-threatening. Confusing influenza with a bad cold is common because both include a sore throat, runny/blocked nose, and cough. There are, however, a few pointers on the symptoms of flu that are different from a heavy cold just to tell them apart:

• Cold sweats and shivers
• High temperature
• Headache
• Fatigue and feeling exhausted
• Aching joints and limbs

There are other gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and even diarrhea, though these are more common among children than among adults.

In general, the symptoms of influenza linger for about 1 week, but the feeling of tiredness and gloom will continue for several weeks. Also, not everyone with flu will showcase the same symptoms as it is also possible to have flu without the fever.

Early symptoms : Fatigue is one of the earliest signs of influenza and cold, but fatigue is usually extreme with the flu. There are other early symptoms like a sore throat, cough, chills, fever, body ache, and gastrointestinal changes.

Treatment
Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics are pretty much useless, unless the flu has led to another illness that is caused by bacteria. Antivirals like zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be prescribed in such cases.

Painkillers can sometimes alleviate some symptoms like body pain and headache. There are various painkillers available online, and it’s important to compare them and only take them with the consultation of a medical professional.

Individuals who are suffering from influenza should keep in mind certain things:

• Stay at home
• Avoid alcohol
• Stop smoking
• Avoid contact with other people whenever possible
• Keep warm and rest
• Consume plenty of liquids
• Eat food

If you live alone, it’s a good idea to let someone close know that you have the flu and ensure that they can check in on you.

Risks
In most of the cases, influenza is not serious but just an unpleasant experience. Although it can sometimes cause severe complications in the elderly, in very young children, and in individuals with other long-term illness as it can weaken their immune system further.

There are some complications that can be caused by influenza, like dehydration, bacterial pneumonia, and worsening of certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, congestive heart failure, or even diabetes. Children may acquire sinus problems and ear infections.