Influenza is a contagious viral infection caused by influenza A and B viruses, with symptoms such as sudden onset of high fever, cough, chills, muscle aches and runny nose. The flu, which usually tends to heal on its own, can be more severe, especially in infants, people with low immune systems and the elderly. For this reason, in cases where symptoms intensify and complications increase, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.
What is Influenza?
Influenza is a contagious viral infection caused by influenza A and B viruses that affects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs, with symptoms such as sudden onset of high fever, cough, fatigue and muscle pain. Infants, people with low immunity, people with chronic diseases and the elderly are more adversely affected by influenza, which affects these people much more in terms of symptoms.
Known as a seasonal disease, influenza is usually more common in the winter months when many segments of society get sick and turn into an epidemic.
The flu, which usually tends to heal on its own and with natural methods to be applied at home, may require a doctor’s control when the symptoms intensify and intensify. In addition to the treatment methods that can be applied depending on the condition of the patient, one of the effective ways to prevent the flu is the flu vaccine, which should be taken regularly.
What Causes Influenza?
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, which mainly affects the nose, throat, bronchi and, more rarely, the lungs. The influenza virus, which can be transmitted very quickly through coughing, sneezing, close contact, kissing and handshaking, spreads as a result of not washing hands frequently during the day.
Influenza is much easier to transmit in closed environments. When the patient coughs and sneezes, millions of viruses spread into the air. Healthy people get the virus through breathing. People who are not immune to the influenza virus catch the flu within 1-4 days.
What are the Symptoms of Flu?
The most common symptoms of flu are fever, fever-induced chills and shivering, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headache and fatigue.
Common symptoms in people with the flu include
- High fever (38°C and above)
- Chills and shivering due to fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body, muscle and joint pain
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Discomfort and pressure in the chest
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting, especially in children
What are the Types of Influenza?
There are four types of influenza viruses that cause flu. These are Influenza A, B, C and D viruses. Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal disease outbreaks, especially in people who occur every winter.
Influenza A viruses are considered the only flu viruses known to cause flu outbreaks. Influenza C virus infections cause mild illness and are not thought to cause human outbreaks.
Influenza D viruses infect other animals, primarily affecting cattle, but are not known to infect humans to cause illness.
How Does Flu Pass? How to Treat Flu?
Flu medicines, antiviral medicines, antipyretics, cough syrups, nasal sprays and hot water compresses are applied to relieve muscle pain to relieve flu and reduce its symptoms. In addition to medical intervention, resting, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet are among the methods that relieve the flu.
Which medicines are used in flu treatment?
The flu medicines prescribed by your doctor are usually paracetamol group medicines. The important thing is to use these medicines regularly. Antiviral drugs such as antipyretics, painkillers, cough syrups are preferred in flu treatment, but antiviral drugs are not recommended for everyone with flu. It is decided according to the severity of the flu experienced by the person.
About Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccines are vaccines that should be given every year to prevent getting the flu caused by influenza viruses. It is recommended that flu vaccines, which vary in production each year depending on the type of influenza viruses that emerge, be administered regularly. The flu vaccine, which contains high protection against influenza, is a doctor-dependent vaccine, especially for infants, chronic patients and the elderly.