The flu season is upon us, and experts predict that the outbreak will reach 300,000 cases a week. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.

It can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe and can sometimes lead to complications and even death.

What Causes the Flu?

The flu is caused by the influenza virus, which is divided into three types: A, B, and C. The types of influenza viruses that cause the flu are constantly changing, which is why people need to get a flu vaccine each year.

The flu is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets in the air when someone with the flu coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your mouth or nose.

What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?

The symptoms of the flu can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of the flu include:.

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

If you think you have the flu, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. They can give you a test to confirm if you have the flu and can provide treatment to help relieve your symptoms.

How Can You Protect Yourself from the Flu?

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. The vaccine is designed to protect against the types of influenza viruses that are expected to be most common during the upcoming flu season.

In addition to getting a flu vaccine, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu, including:.

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throwing the tissue away
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Staying home if you are sick
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs and keyboards

What Are the Complications of the Flu?

While most people recover from the flu without complications, some people may develop complications that can be serious. Complications of the flu can include:.

Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Sinus infections
Ear infections
Meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)

People who are at higher risk of developing complications from the flu include:.

Children under the age of 5
Adults over the age of 65
Pregnant women
People with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease

What Should You Do If You Think You Have the Flu?

If you think you have the flu, it’s important to see a healthcare provider. They can give you a test to confirm if you have the flu and can provide treatment to help relieve your symptoms.

Antiviral medications can be used to treat the flu, but they work best if they are started within the first two days of getting sick.

These medications can help shorten the length of the illness and reduce the severity of symptoms, but they do not cure the flu.

If you have the flu, it’s important to stay home and rest until you are feeling better. This can help prevent the spread of the flu to others.

You should also drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and avoid alcohol and tobacco, which can make your symptoms worse.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between the Flu and a Cold?

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. The symptoms of the flu and a cold can be similar, but the flu is usually more severe.

The flu is more likely to cause a fever, chills, and body aches, while a cold is more likely to cause a runny or stuffy nose and a sore throat. The symptoms of the flu usually come on suddenly, while cold symptoms tend to develop more slowly.

Conclusion

The flu season is upon us, and experts predict that the outbreak will reach 300,000 cases a week. While most people recover from the flu without complications, some people may develop serious complications that can be life-threatening.

The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year and to take steps to prevent the spread of the flu, such as washing your hands frequently and staying home if you are sick.