Flu also called influenza is an infectious disease caused by influence virus. There are three different types of influenza, types A, B, C.other types of flu include:

How Do You Catch the Flu?

Flu is majorly transferred through coughing and sneezing of an infected person. The shedding period( time frame for a person to be infectious0 varies from one person to another. It last for an average of 12hrs to 5 days, however, children are more infectious and has a longer shedding period, which could be extended up to 2 weeks after infection. Adults in an immunocompromised state,  have more extended shedding period than children. There are three primary forms of flu transmission:

Are Elderly and Very Young People Most at Risk of Having Flu?

People at Risk of Having Flu

What is the Difference Between the Flu and a Cold?

The presence of a hacking cough can be used to differentiate between common cold and flu. A cough in flu can cause chest tightness, dyspnea, and wheeze. A cough could be productive if you notice that your phlegm is colored, consult the nearest doctor near you. It could be a complication. Bronchitis and pneumonia are the common complications of flu.  This cough form flu can be cured by taking various cough syrups, hydrating yourself by drinking a lot of water, and avoiding caffeine. To alleviate your cough during flu, stay away from coffee and other caffeine-containing products.

What are the 6 Early Symptoms of Flu?

  1. fever
  2. strep throat
  3. cough
  4. extreme fatigue
  5. gastrointestinal problems
  6. muscular aches

Difference Between Flu and Cold

What are the Top Flu Symptoms in Children?

It is often difficult to differentiate a child suffering from cold or flu. Fever and increased severity of the other symptoms are the major difference between common cold and flu in children.

What are Emergency Symptoms of Flu?

Top Common Wrong Myth about Flu

Truth: it is a hazardous and highly contagious condition that can lead to various complications including death.

Truth: Antibiotics are used for treating bacteria-related disease, virus, not bacteria cause flu

Truth: Supplements containing vitamin C is good for the body because of its anti-oxidant property, but it is not a particular preventive measure for flu.

Truth: Everyone needs vaccination, even if you are a diet or fitness guru, we all need the vaccination AGAINST FLU, AND IT IS FREE, WHY TRY TO TREAT IT, WHEN YOU CAN PREVENT IT. PREVENTION THEY SAY IS BETTER THAN CURE.

Truth: The etiology of flu is influenza virus and not climatic conditions. Although it is a personal disease linked to winter period, winter, rain, or cold is not the primary etiology of flu. Winter, cold or rain can make you feel cold, sneeze, or some of the symptoms of flu, but it is not the etiology of flu. Flu is called by the influenza virus.

How Long Does It Take to Get Over Flu?

Varies from individual to individual. According to “ center for disease control and Prevention(CDC),” it is advisable only to go back to work or normal daily activities, only after you are fever free for 24 hours without medication, or can cope with your normal daily activities without fatigue.

Should I Take the Flu Vaccine to Prevent Getting the Flu?

It is advisable to take the flu shot every year, especially if you are older than 6 months. Pregnant women are also advised to take the flu shot as a preventive measure for flu.

Should I Take the Flu Vaccine to Prevent Getting the Flu

There are two types of flu vaccine: the flu shot that is taken every year on the arm through needles, and the nasal spray vaccine which is a live attenuated vaccine

Flu can also be prevented through the following means:

Are There Home Remedies for Flu Symptoms?

There are various home remedies for the treatment of flu.

Are There Home Remedies for Flu Symptoms

Such remedies:

Influenza may also contribute to the formation of  Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is an auto-immune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system. Influenza vaccine is avoided in people that have a higher tendency of developing Guillain-barre syndrome within 6 weeks of taking the flu vaccine.

Now, that you know all about flu and what to do when you have flu, take care of yourself Contact the nearest doctor in case of any complications. And remember to stay away from coffee and caffeine-related teas when treating flu. Remember flu is not the common cold. It is a severe form of a cold and can be dangerous. Early detection, vaccination, and proper management is the key.

References

Healthdirect.gov.au. (2017). Cold or flu? (infographic). [online] Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cold-or-flu-infographic [Accessed 24 Sep. 2017].

Healthline. (2017). Early Flu Symptoms. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/early-flu-symptoms#overview1 [Accessed 24 Sep. 2017].

Newman, T. (2016). Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. [online] Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/167892.php [Accessed 24 Sep. 2017].

Nhs.uk. (2017). Flu – NHS Choices. [online] Available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Flu/Pages/Introduction.aspx [Accessed 24 Sep. 2017].

Nordqvist, C. (2017). Flu: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention. [online] Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/15107.php [Accessed 24 Sep. 2017].

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