Influenza (flu): symptoms, causes and treatment

Definition

What is meant by flu (influenza)?

Flu or influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory tract. This disease usually comes on suddenly and lasts for 7-10 days.

This disease usually resolves on its own without having to take cold medicine. You can also use natural flu remedies to relieve symptoms.

In temperate countries, influenza usually occurs seasonally when entering winter or rainy season. Meanwhile, in tropical countries, this condition may occur throughout the year.

For parents, toddlers, and people with weak immunity, this condition can be more severe, sometimes even at risk of death due to complications that arise.

Other types of influenza are swine flu (HIN1), bird flu (H5N1, H7N9), and others.

How common is this condition?

Flu is a very common condition and can happen to people of all ages. Each year there are 10-15% of cases of influenza, affecting 250,000 - 500,000 people.

Adults usually catch influenza 2-3 times per year while children can catch flu 6-7 times per year.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?

Flu symptoms generally come on suddenly. Signs and symptoms usually start 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus. The worst symptoms and fever usually last for 3-5 days.

Some of the symptoms of flu include:

• High heat (up to or even more than 40 ° C)
• Shivering
• Muscle ache
• Feeling very weak or tired
• Headache
• Hot, watery eyes
• Cough and sneeze
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Stomach pain (more common in children than adults)
• Coughing and feeling very weak and tired can last up to 6 weeks.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have any concerns about influenza symptoms, please consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Most people affected by this disease can perform self-medication at home and do not need to see a doctor.

If you develop symptoms that risk triggering complications, see a doctor right away. Taking antiviral drugs in the first 48 hours after the appearance of the main symptoms can reduce the duration of influenza. Antivirus can also prevent more serious problems.

Cause

What causes flu?

The main cause of flu is the influenza virus. There are four types of influenza viruses, namely types A, B, C and D.

Influenza A can cause a worldwide pandemic. Bird flu and swine flu are of this type. Meanwhile, influenza B can also cause seasonal flu epidemics, but this disease only affects humans.

Influenza C is mild and will not create an epidemic or a pandemic. One more thing, type D is a virus that often attacks livestock and most likely does not infect humans.

How is the flu virus transmitted?

Flu virus transmission usually occurs as a result of breathing air that has been contaminated with the virus from another infected person (for example, through coughing or sneezing). You can also get it from touching objects that have been exposed to the virus.

People who have the influenza virus may pass it on before they even feel symptoms. The tendency to transmit the virus continues from the first symptoms appear until five days later.

Children and people with weak immune systems may transmit the virus for a longer time.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of developing this disease?

The following are several factors that increase your risk of being infected with the influenza virus that causes flu:

1. Age

Seasonal influenza tends to affect toddlers and the elderly. This condition generally affects children under 1 year of age and parents over 65 years.

2. Living conditions

People who live in shared facilities with many residents, such as nursing homes or dormitories, are more likely to catch influenza. People who are hospitalized are also at high risk.

3. Weak immune system

Cancer medications, anti-rejection drugs, corticosteroids, and HIV / AIDS can weaken your immune system. This can make it easier for you to catch influenza and can also increase your risk of developing complications.

4. Chronic disease

Chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, can increase your risk of developing complications from influenza.

5. Pregnant

Pregnant women are more likely to develop complications of influenza, especially in the second and third trimesters. Women who have given birth for up to two weeks are also at risk of developing flu-related complications.

Complications

What are the possible complications from influenza?

If you are young and healthy, influenza is not a serious condition. Although you may feel uncomfortable dealing with it, influenza usually goes away within a week or two without any effect.

However, complications from influenza may occur if you are a high-risk person.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, people who are overweight, have chronic disease, and are under 19 years of age who take long-term aspirin are more at risk of developing complications from the flu.

Some of the complications that may occur include:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Recurrence of asthma
• Heart problems
• Hearing infection
• Reye's Syndrome

Pneumonia is the most serious complication of flu. For the elderly and people with chronic conditions, pneumonia can be fatal.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are the treatment options for flu?

Some of the treatment options for dealing with influenza are:

1. Medical drugs

Antibiotics cannot cure the flu because they are caused by a virus. However, there are some drugs that can be used to relieve flu symptoms or antiviral drugs so that you don't have the flu for too long.

Several options for cold medicine, including painkillers and fever reducers (paracetamol) and cough medicines (decongestants).

2. Natural remedies

Apart from using medical drugs, you can also try simple natural flu remedies, such as inhaling warm steam or using essential oils.

What tests are common to diagnose this disease?

Your doctor will make a diagnosis of your symptoms. Doctors can also perform tests to confirm the diagnosis.

The test can involve a fluid sample from snot or a blood sample. The doctor may also order a chest x-ray to check for pneumonia (complications).

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that help with influenza?

Lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with this disease are:

• Taking a warm bath or compress with a heating pad can help relieve muscle soreness.
• Inhaling warm steam, for example with a vaporizer can help thin the nasal congestion.
• Gargling with warm salt water or mouthwash can soothe a sore throat.
• Drinking lots of water is the most important.
• Increase fluids in the body: drink 2 liters of water every day to replace lost body fluids
• Take supplements or vitamins for endurance
• Enough rest
• Take painkillers

Before taking drugs or supplements, make sure you consult your doctor or pharmacist first to get advice that suits your condition, even if it's an over-the-counter medicine.

Prevention

How do you prevent the flu?

According to the World Health Organization or WHO, the best way to avoid this disease is to get a flu shot. The flu virus is a type of virus that will evolve continuously. That is why, WHO is also making recommendations to keep the vaccine ingredients updated.

WHO recommends annual vaccinations for high-risk groups, including health workers. Ideally, this vaccine is done before flu season begins. However, getting vaccinated at any time can still help you avoid getting sick with the flu.

If you have any questions regarding flu prevention, please consult your doctor who understands the best solution for you.