At first, the flu may appear to be a standard cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a sore throat. Colds often develop gradually. However, the flu usually strikes without warning. To Learn more about the flu symptoms click here.
The following are common flu symptoms:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Sweating and chills
- Headache
- a chronic dry cough
- Breathing difficulty
- fatigue and weakness
- a stuffy or runny nose
- Throat discomfort
- Vomiting and diarrhoea are more prevalent in children than in adults.
To know more about flu risks and causes.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Influenza:
The influenza virus causes a widespread respiratory infection called the “flu.” It can cause mild to severe disease and, in extreme cases, death.
What Causes Influenza?
Influenza viruses infiltrate the nose, throat, and lungs, causing the flu. These viruses spread when persons with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk, releasing virus droplets into the air and perhaps into the mouths or nostrils of others. You can also catch the flu by contacting a surface or object contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your lips, eyes, or nose.
You can spread the flu before you realise you’re sick, starting one day before symptoms appear and lasting up to five to seven days after being ill. Some persons, small infants, and those with compromised immune systems may be able to infect others for an extended period.
Influenza Risk Factors:
Influenza is a potentially fatal infection for anyone who is at high risk. Among the illnesses that put persons at risk are:
- Chronic lung diseases include asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis.
- Diabetes or another long-term metabolic condition
- Obesity with morbidity
- Anaemia severe (including sickle cell anaemia)
- Immunosuppressive disorders (HIV, AIDS) or treatments (steroids, chemotherapy)
liver problems
- Aspirin treatment for children and adolescents.
Who is most vulnerable to flu complications?
Certain medical disorders might increase your risk of severe flu disease. It includes potentially fatal consequences that necessitate hospitalisation. You are likely to have a severe illness if you:
- You suffer from asthma, COPD, or another chronic respiratory illness.
- Have a history of renal, liver, neurological, cardiovascular, or blood vessel problems, including stroke.
- Have a condition that impairs muscular function or makes coughing, swallowing, or clearing fluids from your airways difficult.
- Have a compromised immune system (as a result of HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive medicines).
- Possess a blood ailment, such as sickle cell disease.
- Have a BMI of more than 40 (obesity).
- Are under the age of five or above the age of 65.
- Are under the age of 19 and routinely use aspirin.
When compared to non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Asians, non-Hispanic Blacks, non-Hispanic American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Hispanic or Latino persons had the incidence of severe flu illness.