According to recent reports, 46 people have been hospitalized with the flu. Out of these, 18 are in critical condition. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
The virus can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases can even lead to death.
What is the flu?
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are many different strains of the flu virus, and each year the virus mutates and changes, making it difficult for scientists to predict which strains will be prevalent in any given season.
The flu is highly contagious and spreads from person to person through tiny droplets in the air that are expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Symptoms of the flu
The symptoms of the flu can include:.
- Fever or chills
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
Symptoms usually appear one to four days after exposure to the virus and can last for several days to two weeks.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are more at risk than others. Those at higher risk include:.
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- Children under the age of five, especially those under two years old
- Adults over the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
If you are at a higher risk for complications from the flu, it is recommended that you get vaccinated against the virus each year.
Preventing the flu
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The flu vaccine can reduce your chances of getting the flu and can also make the illness less severe if you do get sick.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are several other steps you can take to prevent the flu:.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue away and wash your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, phones, and keyboards
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others
Treatment for the flu
If you do get the flu, there are several things you can do to help relieve your symptoms:.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Rest as much as possible
- Treat fever and aches with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Use a humidifier or take a steamy shower to help ease congestion
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to help shorten the duration of your illness and reduce the severity of your symptoms. This medication works best if taken within the first 48 hours of getting sick.
Conclusion
The flu is a highly contagious illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms.
If you are at a higher risk for complications from the flu, it is important to take steps to prevent the illness, such as getting vaccinated each year and practicing good hygiene. If you do get sick, there are several things you can do to relieve your symptoms and reduce the length and severity of your illness.
