Understanding Influenza: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Each year, millions of people around the world experience flu infections, with varying levels of severity. While the flu is often manageable, it can lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

In the United States, flu season usually occurs in the fall and winter. While influenza viruses spread year-round, most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February. The overall health impact (e.g., infections, hospitalizations, and deaths) of flu varies from season to season. (Flu Season – CDC)

What Causes Influenza?

Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, which are categorized into four types: A, B, C and D. The most common culprits for seasonal outbreaks are types A and B. These viruses spread through droplets released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. They can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face. (Types of Influenza Viruses – CDC)

Each year, anywhere from 290,000 to 650,000 people worldwide die from influenza-related respiratory illnesses. The flu burdens the United States with billions of dollars of medical costs and has caused up to 52,000 deaths nationwide in a year. However, advancements in vaccinations are helping to turn the tide on the potentially deadly virus.

According to pennmedicine.org, colds and flu are often mistaken for each other because they share some similar symptoms. However, they are distinct illnesses. People typically catch a cold multiple times a year, while the flu tends to occur less frequently, often only once every few years.

Additionally, certain viruses can cause vomiting or diarrhea, commonly referred to as the “stomach flu.” However, this term is misleading since these symptoms are usually not caused by the influenza virus. The flu primarily targets the nose, throat, and lungs.

Common Symptoms of Influenza

The flu typically comes on suddenly, with symptoms including:

• Fever and chills
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches and fatigue
• Headaches
• Occasionally, nausea and vomiting (more common in children)

While these symptoms are similar to those of a common cold, influenza generally causes more severe and longer-lasting discomfort. (Flu Symptoms & Complications – CDC)

How Long Are You Contagious with the Flu?

Flu symptoms typically appear 1 to 4 days after exposure, with most people starting to feel sick around 2 days. You can spread the flu even 1 day before symptoms appear and are most contagious during the first 3 days of illness.

Healthy adults remain contagious for up to 7 days, while young children and those with weakened immune systems may spread the virus for longer. To protect others, stay home if you’re unwell, practice good hygiene, and consider annual vaccination. (Shruthi N, 2024)

Complications of Influenza

For most people, the flu resolves within a few days to two weeks. However, some individuals may develop complications, ranging from moderate to severe, that can become life-threatening. (Flu Symptoms & Complications – CDC). According to the source, the complications could be seperated into 2 categories:

Moderate Complications

• Sinus Infections: Caused by the flu virus blocking normal sinus drainage.
• Ear Infections: Common in children, often resulting from inflammation caused by the flu.

Serious Complications

1. Pneumonia
   • Can result from the flu virus alone or from a bacterial co-infection.
   • A leading cause of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
2. Inflammatory Responses
   • Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart.
   • Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain.
   • Myositis/Rhabdomyolysis: Muscle tissue inflammation or breakdown.
3. Sepsis
   • A life-threatening response to infection, caused by extreme inflammation triggered by the flu.
4. Multi-Organ Failure
   • Severe flu cases can lead to respiratory and kidney failure.

Worsening of Chronic Conditions

• Asthma: Flu can trigger severe asthma attacks.
• Chronic Heart Disease: Flu may exacerbate heart conditions, leading to complications

Prevention options

Preventing influenza requires a proactive approach, such as Vaccination. Annual flu vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. Vaccines are updated yearly to match circulating strains (Flu vaccine – NHS)

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine:

• Older Adults: Aged 65 or over
• People with Long-Term Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, heart problems, or weakened immune systems.
• Pregnant Women: Protects both mother and baby from potential complications.
• Care Home Residents: Ensures protection in communal living environments.
• Carers: Main carers for older or disabled individuals or those receiving a carer’s allowance.
• Household Contacts of Vulnerable Individuals.

Hygiene Practices

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap isn’t available.
• Avoid touching your face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Healthy Habits

• Maintain a strong immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals and stay home if you’re feeling unwell.

Treatment Options

If you contract the flu, early treatment is essential to reduce its impact:

Antiviral Medications:

Antiviral medications are prescription drugs designed to fight the flu virus in your body. Unlike antibiotics, which target bacterial infections, antivirals specifically target viral infections like the flu. They can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms and prevent complications.

How Antiviral Medications Work:

Antiviral medications work by inhibiting the replication of the flu virus, helping your body control the infection more effectively. While they don’t cure the flu, they can:

• Shorten the duration of illness by 1 to 2 days.
• Reduce the severity of symptoms.
• Lower the risk of serious flu-related complications, such as pneumonia.

Common Antiviral Medications for Flu:

1. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
   • Available as a pill or liquid.
   • Most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
2. Zanamivir (Relenza)
   • An inhaled medication, suitable for those who can’t take pills.
   • Not recommended for people with respiratory issues like asthma.
3. Peramivir (Rapivab)
   • Administered intravenously in a single dose, typically in a hospital setting.
4. Baloxavir Marboxil (Xofluza)
   • A single-dose oral medication, effective against both influenza A and B strains.

Rest and Hydration: Allow your body to recover by getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated.

Over-the-Counter Remedies: Pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants can help manage symptoms.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious?

Certain groups are at higher risk of severe flu complications:

• Young children under 5
• Pregnant women
• Adults over 65
• Individuals with chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease
• People with weakened immune systems

For these groups, seeking medical advice promptly is critical when flu symptoms appear.

The Importance of Global Awareness

Influenza is not just a personal health concern; it poses a significant public health challenge worldwide. Seasonal outbreaks strain healthcare systems, and pandemics caused by new strains, such as H1N1 in 2009, underline the importance of preparedness and vaccination campaigns.

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Understanding the disease and how to prevent it is a very long topic and requires professional advice, preferably from a doctor.

In addition to using prescibed medicine, we can take advantage of alternative methods such as traditional herbal medicines. At SVK Herbal, we synthesize precious herbs that have been passed down for thousands of years, combined with modern extraction methods to bring you effective and concise solutions.

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