The recent flu outbreak has been particularly severe, with 20 people already losing their lives to the virus. In addition, 35 people are currently in critical care and are fighting for their lives.

The deadly outbreak has become a cause of concern for many, and health officials are urging people to take necessary precautions in order to avoid getting infected by the virus.

What causes flu?

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is caused by influenza viruses, which attack the respiratory system.

The flu virus spreads from person to person through the air, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by touching hands contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes. The flu virus is highly contagious, and can cause severe illness, especially in people who have weak immune systems, such as children, the elderly and pregnant women.

Symptoms of flu

The symptoms of flu usually include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, especially children.

The symptoms of flu can last for several days to weeks, and may cause complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections.

Preventing and treating flu

There are several ways to prevent flu, including getting a flu vaccine every year, washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding close contact with sick people, covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, and staying home when feeling sick. If you have flu, you can take over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough syrups, to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed by a doctor to treat flu.

Who are at risk?

Some people are more at risk of getting severe flu than others. These include:.

Babies and young children
Elderly people (65 years and older)
Pregnant women
People with weakened immune systems due to chronic illnesses or medications
People with respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD

What to do if you have flu?

If you suspect that you have flu, it is important to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

This includes staying home and avoiding close contact with others, covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, washing your hands frequently, and wearing a mask to prevent others from getting infected.

When to seek medical help?

If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of developing complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus infections, it is important to seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, seizures, severe headache, and persistent vomiting need immediate medical attention. In addition, if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, it is important to inform your doctor about your symptoms and seek medical help as soon as possible.

Conclusion

The recent flu outbreak has already claimed 20 lives and left 35 people in critical care. While flu is a common respiratory illness, it can cause severe complications and even death in some cases, especially in people with weak immune systems.

It is important to take necessary precautions to prevent flu, such as getting a flu vaccine, washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home when feeling sick. If you have flu symptoms, seek medical help immediately if you are at risk of complications. Let us all do our part to prevent the spread of the virus and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.