According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, death. The flu is not the same as a cold. The flu usually strikes without warning. Flu patients frequently experience some or all of the following symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness), and vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. During flu season, it is critical to distinguish between influenza signs and symptoms.
While most symptoms will subside one to two weeks after onset, a dry cough and general fatigue may persist for several weeks longer, according to Healthline. Other flu-like symptoms include dizziness, sneezing, and wheezing. Nausea and vomiting are not common symptoms in adults, but they do occur in children on occasion. In addition, they went on to say that people with weakened immune systems as a result of medical conditions or the use of certain medications are also at risk. Moreover, people who are at high risk of flu complications should see their doctor if they have any flu symptoms at all. This is especially true if you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or COPD.
Yvette Brazier of Medical News Today went on to say that the majority of people will be able to treat their flu symptoms at home. Symptoms can be alleviated by a combination of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. A headache and body pains can be managed with pain relief medication. The best options can be recommended by a healthcare professional. Some pain relievers, such as aspirin, are not appropriate for children under the age of 16. Aspirin use at this age can result in a condition known as Reye's syndrome. Several options are available over the counter or online. It is critical to compare various products and only use them with the advice of a medical professional.
Furthermore, according to Medical News Today, because flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not cure the illness. Antibiotics will only be prescribed if a bacterial infection is present in addition to the flu. Antiviral medications, on the other hand, may be beneficial when someone has the flu. Antivirals are designed to prevent viruses from multiplying in a person's body. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir are two examples (Relenza). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) for acute, uncomplicated flu in 2018.
Health professionals also advise that when a person has the flu, they should stay at home, avoid contact with other people if possible, stay warm and rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods, avoid alcohol, and quit smoking, as it increases the risk of complications. Other home remedies include the consumption of chicken broth, herbal teas, and vitamin supplements. It is also advisable to consult your doctor if your flu symptoms last more than two weeks or if they disappear only to reappear worse than before.
ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND
References:
1. Flu Symptoms & Complications- Flu Symptoms & Complications
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm
2. Recognizing Flu Symptoms
Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by the Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on August 15, 2019
https://www.healthline.com/health/flu-symptoms
3. All you need to know about flu
Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. — Written by Yvette Brazier on November 8, 2019
