With flu season approaching, it’s important to know the difference between a common cold and the more serious influenza virus. Knowing the telltale signs of the flu and when and how to get treatment can help you recover and avoid complications.
Common Flu Symptoms
The flu tends to come on suddenly, and people sometimes have some combination of the following symptoms:
Fever or Feeling Feverish with Chills: An elevated temperature is a common early symptom.
Cough: A dry, persistent cough.
Sore Throat: Pain or scratchiness in the throat.
Runny or Stuffy Nose: A stuffy or runny nose.
Muscle or Body Aches: Widespread pain, usually extreme.
Headaches: Prevalent and occasionally intense.
Fatigue: An overwhelming sense of tiredness and absence of energy.
Diarrhea and Vomiting: More common in children.
Keep in mind that not everyone with flu will have all of the symptoms. Some people might not get a fever, for example.
When to get medical help
Most people recover from the flu with rest and care at home, but some cases may require immediate medical attention:
Trouble Breathing or Shortness of Breath: Have any trouble breathing immediately evaluated.
Chest pain or pressure: Ongoing pressure in the chest.
Sudden Dizziness or Confusion: New cognitive changes or extreme dizziness.
Severe or Persistent Vomiting: Not being able to keep fluids down, resulting in dehydration.
Improvement and then worsening of symptoms: Initially getting better, but then having a return of fever or coughing more.
For children, other warning signs include:
Bluish Skin Color: It implies that there is a lack of oxygen.
Not Getting Enough Fluids: Signs of dehydration.
Not Waking Up or Interacting: Unusual lethargy or unresponsive.
Irritability: Extremely irritable, such that the child does not want to be picked up.
If you or someone you know has these symptoms it’s important to get medical care immediately.
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High-Risk Groups
Some people are more likely to suffer from flu complications:
Young Children: Particularly those younger than 5.
Adults 65 and Older:The immune system declines with age.
Pregnant women: Alterations in immune system during pregnancy.
People with Chronic Health Conditions: Including asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
If you are in any of these categories and develop flu symptoms, contact a health care provider promptly.
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Preventive Measures
So, they say Prevention is better than cure. Here are some strategies to minimize the chances of getting or spreading the flu:
Vaccination: The annual flu vaccine is the best way to avoid infection.
1 – Hand Hygiene:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Avoid Close Contact:
Stay Far Away From Sick People
Stay Home When Sick:
Prevent the virus from spreading to other individuals.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes:
Cover your mouth with a tissue or use your elbow to stop the spread of germs.
Staying as informed as you can and taking the necessary precautionary steps is the best way to protect yourself and those around you during flu season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I tell the difference between the flu and a common cold?
Both are respiratory illnesses, but the flu frequently comes with more serious symptoms, such as a high fever, body aches and extreme fatigue, while a common cold can be milder and more likely to cause a runny or stuffy nose.
Q2: Are antibiotics effective in treating flu?
No, antibiotics don’t fight viruses such as flu. In some instances, antiviral medications may be prescribed to mitigate how severe or long the symptoms are.
Q3: Can you still get the flu even if you have a flu shot?
Yes, it can, but vaccination often decreases the severity of the illness and the chances of complications. It remains the recommendation and a better preventive measure.
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