The flu is back with a vengeance, hitting several countries quite hard. The latest report is that 71 people have lost their lives from the recent flu outbreak. The flu season has been particularly severe, affecting people across all age groups.
The virus responsible for the flu outbreak is the influenza A virus, which is known to be virulent and capable of causing a range of symptoms ranging from a mild fever, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue to more severe symptoms that can be life-threatening.
What is the Flu?
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu viruses are highly contagious and spread easily from person to person.
The flu can cause mild to severe illness and can sometimes lead to death, especially in the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
Common Symptoms of the Flu
The symptoms of the flu can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:.
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
How Does the Flu Spread?
The flu virus spreads through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land on the mouth or nose of people nearby or can be inhaled into the lungs.
Related Article
Intensive care units overwhelmed by 123 flu patients
The flu virus can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
Preventing the Flu
Prevention is the best way to avoid getting the flu. Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the flu:.
- Get a yearly flu vaccine
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze
- Stay home if you are sick
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu viruses
Treatment of the Flu
Most people who get the flu will recover on their own within a few days to two weeks. Treatment of the flu focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Here are some things you can do to treat the flu:.
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve fever, aches, and pains
- Antiviral medications may be prescribed in severe cases of the flu
Conclusion
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms. Prevention is the best way to avoid getting the flu.
If you do get sick, be sure to rest, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
