Complications due to flu that you need to be aware of

Many think that flu or influenza is a minor illness. In fact, in some cases, severe strains of influenza can cause life-threatening complications. Understand the dangers of flu more in the following review.

Severe flu can be dangerous, even result in death

Many think that flu and colds (common cold) the same , even though they are different. The flu can cause symptoms that are more severe than a cold. Not only nasal congestion, this condition can also cause high fever, headaches that don't go away, and muscle aches.

In fact, some people can have more severe symptoms. Especially infants and the elderly with weak immune systems, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease. People with this condition are at higher risk of developing complications if they have the flu.

Complications that may occur due to severe flu include pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections, and even death. Data from the World Health Organization or WHO records that around 290,000-650,000 people have died from the influenza virus.

Here are the complications that can occur due to flu:

1. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs which causes the air sacs to fill with pus and mucus, preventing oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. If the blood contains too little oxygen, the body's organs, tissues and cells cannot work properly, which can cause death.

This is in line with what Prof. Dr. dr. Iris Rengganis, SpPD, K-AI, FINASIM, Chair of the Indonesian Allergy-Immunology Association. "If left untreated, a malignant virus can cause respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, (if exposed to a baby) can respiratory failure and death," he said when met at Hotel Borobudur, Central Jakarta, Monday (25/11).

Without treatment, pneumonia caused by the flu virus can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, spread the virus or bacteria into the bloodstream, and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

To find out if the flu has gotten worse and has become pneumonia, you need to pay attention to what the symptoms are. The flu causes mild to severe symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, headaches, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, as well as body aches.

2. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation that occurs in the nasal passages. The symptoms that may arise when influenza has caused sinusitis are:

• nasal obstruction is getting worse
• sore throat
• pain in the cheeks, maxilla, and teeth
• decreased olfactory power
• swelling near the eye

3. Ear infection

Ear infection or otitis media is inflammation and swelling of the middle ear. Complications due to flu often occur because the middle ear is connected to the upper respiratory tract.

When the influenza virus in the upper respiratory tract multiplies, it is possible that the virus can enter the middle ear. Symptoms that can arise include:

• decreased hearing ability
• discharge from the ear
• fever and chills
• pain in the ear

4. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is also another form of complications due to flu or influenza. This disease is caused by irritation of the mucous membranes in the bronchi of the lungs.

Possible symptoms include:

• cough with phlegm
• feeling of tightness in the chest
• fever and chills

Complications from influenza cannot be treated with common cold medications

If you have complications, the usual influenza treatment will have no effect. Usually, the doctor will look back at the symptoms you feel.

Most likely, you will also need to undergo some medical tests to determine what complications have occurred in the body and are hospitalized.

In order to avoid complications, influenza must be treated in an appropriate manner. For that you must pay attention to any flu symptoms that appear. The goal is to consider whether you need to see a doctor or not.

If the symptoms affect the upper airway more, such as a stuffy, runny nose and itching, then you may have a cold. This condition will get better on its own within 3-5 days with drugs without a prescription.

However, if the symptoms are accompanied by a severe headache, muscle aches, sore throat, and high fever, this could be a sign of a cold.

"In adults, usually, if the pain is very severe, you should see a doctor. Patients may also need to be treated, "added dr. Iris Rengganis.

On the same occasion, Prof. dr. Cissy B. Kartasasmita, SpA (K), PhD, Chair of the Indonesian Influenza Foundation, expressed the same thing regarding flu in children.

"We usually advise children to see a doctor if there are symptoms not heal on its own in 3 or 4 days. Especially if the symptoms worsen, he becomes fussy really and difficulty sleeping because of headaches and muscle aches, "he explained.