Influenza: What You Need To Know

The flu bug is on the loose … again! At work, despite the whole month of February having been declared critical work month because of the pile of work we have coming, a colleague has it, and I’m suspecting my daughter might have it, too. Given the sudden weather changes we’re experiencing of late, that doesn’t come as a surprise.

Influenza, or flu, is a viral illness affecting the nose, throat, bronchi, and sometimes, the lungs. It is a highly contagious disease, transmitted through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

It can also be spread when shaking hands with somebody who has it, hence, the need for constant washing or sanitization of hands.

The illness is generally characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, body ache, a general feeling of sickness, sore throat, coughing and rhinitis.

Majority of the people infected with the virus recover within one or two weeks, without having to undergo any form of medical treatment. The very young, the elderly and those with serious medical conditions, however, may not be so lucky, as influenza can potentially lead to complications, pneumonia, and even death.

Symptoms

• Fever ranging from 37.8°C (100°F) to 40°C (104°F) which can reach up to 41°C (106°F) when symptoms first develop. The fever is usually continuous, but may come and go. Fever in older adults may be lower than in younger adults and children. 
• Body aches and muscle pain, mostly in the back, arms and legs 
• Headache 
• Pain when moving the eyes 
• Fatigue and loss of appetite 
• Dry cough and dry or sore throat 
• Nasal congestion 
• Chills and sweats 

Risk factors

• Age – Seasonal influenza tends to be more common in people aged 65 and older and young children. The H1N1 pandemic that rocked the world in 2009, however, seemed to be more targeted towards teenagers and young adults. 
• Pregnant women – Pregnant women should take extra precaution during the second and third trimesters of their pregnancy, as they are more likely to develop complications during these times. 
• Chronic illnesses – Illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and heart conditions may increase a person’s risk of flu complications. 
• Weak immune system – Diseases like AIDS/HIV weaken the immune system. Some drugs like anti-cancer and anti-rejection medications, corticosteroids do the same to the immune system and heighten the risk of developing complications. 
• Occupation – Child personnel and health care workers are likely to come in close contact with influenza-infected people. 
• Living conditions – People residing in facilities housing many other residents such as nursing homes or military barracks have a greater chance of developing influenza. 

Home remedies

The moment you come down with the flu, try these measures:

• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. 
• Rest. Getting enough rest and sleep helps the immune system combat infection. 
• Consider taking pain relievers. Over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen/paracetamol, ibuprofen can help relieve the aches that come about with influenza. Never administer aspirin to children or teens. 

Prevention

• Flu vaccine. Although an annual flu vaccination isn’t 100% effective, it’s still your best defense against influenza. 
• Wash your hands. Frequent and thorough hand washing is an effective way to stop the spread of common illnesses. If water and soap isn’t available, use alcohol-based sanitizers. 
• Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. 
• Avoid crowds, especially during peak flu season. 

When to see a doctor

If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of developing complications, see your doctor immediately.

Source: who.int, webmd.com, mayoclinic.com.