Flu: Danger and Effective Protection

Colds and flu are caused by a viral infection that affects our respiratory system. It involves the nose, throat and lungs. These diseases have similar symptoms. However, in the case of flu, they manifest themselves much faster and with greater severity. In this article, flu: danger and effective protection – you can learn how to recognize the symptoms. Which other groups of people are at greatest risk of complications.

Types of viruses

There are three types of viruses that cause flu: viruses of types A, B and C. In most cases, seasonal flu outbreaks are caused by viruses of types A and B.

The flu virus spreads through the air in the form of the smallest droplets. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Infection can occur in two ways. Either by inhaling these droplets, or by contact with objects on which they have settled. In the second case, the risk of disease only arises if we touch our eyes, nose or mouth with our hands.

The incubation period of influenza is usually 1 to 4 days, with an average of 2 days. An infected person can become contagious on the day of contact with the virus, even before the first symptoms of the disease appear. The patient is able to spread the infection for 5-7 days. Although in some cases, contagiousness can persist for up to 10 days after the first signs of the disease appear. Children and people with weakened immune systems are at particular risk. They can remain contagious even longer.

It should be recalled that the incubation period of influenza is the time between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms of this disease. Seasonal influenza viruses are constantly evolving and changing, which leads to the emergence of new strains. If you have previously had the disease, your body has produced antibodies that can resist a specific strain. However, antibodies will not provide protection against new subtypes of viruses. Those that may differ significantly from those you have encountered before, from an immunological point of view.

Who is at increased risk of getting sick?

There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of getting sick and developing complications. These include:

• Age. Children under 5 years of age are most at risk. Especially those under 2 years of age. People over 65 years of age are also at increased risk.
• Working conditions. People who work in schools, shopping malls, or other crowded places significantly increase their chances of getting infected with the flu virus.
• Weakened immunity. Cancer treatment, taking immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or drugs to treat HIV/AIDS can negatively affect the immune system, reducing its functionality. This, in turn, increases the risk of getting sick and developing complications from the flu.
• Having chronic diseases. Asthma, diabetes, and heart or kidney disease also increase the risk of developing complications.
• Pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant women are more likely than others to experience complications from the flu, especially if the disease occurs in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. It is also important to be careful during the first 2 weeks after giving birth. As this is when women in labor often experience complications.
• Obesity. People with a body mass index of 40 or more are at increased risk of developing complications.

How to recognize flu symptoms?

In the early stages of the disease, the flu can resemble a common cold. Accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. However, unlike a cold, which develops gradually and mildly, flu symptoms appear suddenly and intensely. People who have caught the cold virus usually experience moderate discomfort. Those who have contracted the flu experience a significant deterioration in well-being.

Among the characteristic symptoms of the flu are:

• Fever above 38 °C,
• Muscle and joint pain, especially in the legs, arms and back,
• Chills and sweating,
• Headache, which can sometimes be very severe,
• Nausea,
• Persistent dry cough,
• Severe fatigue and weakness,
• Runny nose and sore throat.

Infants and children may experience symptoms such as unusual lethargy, poor appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Some babies may experience febrile seizures.

As Australian experts note, an increase in temperature may not always be observed in older people.

The only sign of the disease may be:

• Confusion of consciousness,
• Shortness of breath,
• Exacerbation of a chronic disease.

Flu symptoms are most intense in the first 1-2 days of the disease. After that, the patient’s condition gradually improves over the course of several days. However, sometimes the annoying cough can last for a week or more after other symptoms have disappeared.

What are the treatments for the flu?

The immune system fights the virus on its own. Treatment is aimed only at alleviating the patient’s condition and preventing complications.

Symptom relief

The first step is to stay home to avoid infecting colleagues or friends. Treating the flu at home involves resting and maintaining a drinking regimen. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve pain. You can also use nasal drops or sprays. They should not be used for more than 5-7 days, as prolonged use can lead to addiction and worsening.

IMPORTANT! If a child under 14 years of age is sick, it is strictly forbidden to give him aspirin! It is also not recommended to prescribe over-the-counter cough medicines to children under 6 years of age. Their effectiveness has not been confirmed, and there is also a risk of allergic reactions and hallucinations.

Is it advisable to buy antiviral drugs?

To prevent complications, your doctor may prescribe Tamiflu or Zanamivir. These drugs do not kill the virus, but they do prevent it from multiplying. In addition, these antiviral drugs can shorten the duration of the illness by 1-2 days and relieve symptoms. Tamiflu or Zanamivir are most often prescribed to patients at risk of developing complications.

Antiviral drugs are usually taken for 5 days. To reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Tamiflu is recommended to be taken with food. Zanamivir is used in the form of inhalation. But it should not be used by people suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma or lung diseases. In no case should you buy and take these drugs without first consulting a physician.

Antiviral drugs must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptoms or contact with a person who has the flu. If Zanamivir is prescribed to a child, the first inhalation should be carried out within the first 36 hours. In general, the sooner a patient starts taking an antiviral medication, the more effective it will be.

Do I need antibiotics for the flu?

Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, not viruses. So doctors do not prescribe them to treat the flu. These drugs are used only in cases where the patient develops pneumonia. Other complications caused by bacteria.

What complications can occur with the flu?

If you are young and do not have chronic diseases, you should not worry. Usually the flu completely disappears within 1-2 weeks. However, people who are at risk have an increased chance of developing complications. Such complications include:

• Pneumonia,
• Bronchitis,
• Asthma exacerbation,
• Ear infections,
• Heart problems.

The most dangerous complication is pneumonia, which can be life-threatening, especially for older people and people with chronic diseases.

Flu prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) recommends annual vaccination for everyone starting at 6 months of age. Annual vaccination provides protection against the 3-4 most common strains of the flu virus expected in a given season.

What additional measures can you take to reduce your risk?

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This will help prevent many infections, not just the flu. Try not to touch your face, especially your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• Regularly disinfect objects and surfaces that family members and guests often touch, such as refrigerator handles, kitchen counters, doorknobs, remote controls, faucets, etc.
• Avoid crowded places during viral outbreaks. The flu virus spreads quickly in crowded places, such as shopping malls, train stations, airports, and public transportation.

Although the flu is often perceived as a seasonal disease, proper preventive measures and timely response to the first symptoms can significantly reduce the risk of infection and help avoid serious health consequences.

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