Influenza (Flu)
Flu (Influenza): Symptoms, Risks, Treatment & Online Care
Learn how influenza spreads, who is at higher risk, how it is diagnosed, and when online treatment may help.
Overview
Influenza is a virus that affects your respiratory system, which includes your nose, throat, and lungs. Although influenza is usually referred to as "the flu," it is distinct from stomach "flu" viruses that are associated with vomiting and diarrhea.
Mainly, the flu goes away on its own. However, influenza and its consequences might be fatal in some cases. Thus, it is important to treat the virus and get a prescription online for the flu.
People at higher risk of flu complications
- Children under the age of five
- Adults over 65 years old
- Long-term care facility residents
- Women who are pregnant or who have given birth within two weeks
- Immune-compromised individuals
- Native Americans
- People with chronic conditions
- People who are extremely obese, with a BMI of 40 or above
The annual influenza vaccine is still your best defense against the flu, even if it isn't 100 percent effective.
Flu Symptoms
A person who has the flu may have the following symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- A fever that lasts for three to four days
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Cold sweats and shivers, as well as acute aches and pains
- A headache
- Exhaustion
Keep in mind not everyone who has the flu experiences all of these signs and symptoms. It is possible to have flu without a fever, for instance.
Influenza symptoms usually appear out of nowhere. A person who has the flu may, at first, feel ill. Thereafter, they may experience:
- A high temperature
- A stuffy or runny nose
- A dry cough
- Chills and shivers
- Aches that may be severe
- A headache
- Fatigue and a feeling of being unwell
- A lack of appetite
Symptoms of Influenza Type A and Type B
Symptoms of Influenza Type A: A person may have influenza type A if they exhibit chills and fever, muscle pains, weariness, weakness, runny or stuffy nose, cough, and sore throat.
Symptoms of Influenza Type B: The symptoms of influenza B are identical to those of influenza A.
Causes
When someone with influenza sneezes, coughs, or talks, the virus spreads through the air in particles. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up viruses from an object such as a phone or keyboard and then transfer them to your nose or mouth.
People infected with the virus are likely infectious from the day before symptoms begin to five days after they appear. Children and others with compromised immune systems may be infectious for a longer period.
Influenza viruses are always evolving, with new strains emerging on a regular basis. If you've had influenza before, your body may already have produced antibodies to combat that strain. However, future influenza strains can be very different from those you've experienced before, so those antibodies may not fully protect you.
Risk Factors
The following factors may raise your chances of getting the flu or developing flu-related complications:
Common flu risk factors
- Age: Young children and older adults are at greater risk
- Living or working conditions: Nursing homes, barracks, and hospitals increase exposure risk
- Weakened immune system: Cancer treatment, organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, and steroid use may increase risk
- Chronic illnesses: Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and metabolic problems
- Race: Native Americans may face higher complication risk
- Aspirin use under age 19: May raise risk of Reye’s syndrome if flu occurs
- Pregnancy: Especially during the second and third trimesters and shortly after birth
- Obesity: A BMI of 40 or higher increases complication risk
Complications
The flu is usually not serious if you are young and healthy. Although you may feel horrible while you have it, it normally passes in a week or two without long-term consequences. However, high-risk children and adults may develop complications such as:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Flare-ups of asthma
- Heart problems
- Ear infections
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Pneumonia is one of the most dangerous side effects. It can be fatal in elderly persons and people who have a chronic condition.
Diagnosis
To detect flu viruses in respiratory specimens, a variety of tests are available. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) are among the most common. These work by recognizing parts of the virus that trigger an immune response and can provide results in about 10 to 15 minutes, although they are not always as accurate as other flu tests.
Rapid molecular assays look for the flu virus's genetic code and are more accurate than RIDTs, often delivering results in 15 to 20 minutes.
Other more accurate tests may be done in specialized laboratories, such as RT-PCR, viral culture, and immunofluorescence tests. These usually require a healthcare professional to swab inside the nostril or the back of the throat and send the sample for testing. Results may take from one hour to several hours.
Treatment
The flu can usually be treated at home by most people. Symptoms can often be relieved with a mix of lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.
Pain relievers can help with headaches and body aches. A healthcare professional can recommend the safest options. Some pain relievers, such as aspirin, are not recommended for children under the age of 16 because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
It is important to compare medications carefully and use them only if a healthcare provider recommends them.
Flu Medication
Antibiotics cannot cure the flu because it is caused by a virus. They are only useful if a bacterial infection is present in addition to the flu. Antiviral drugs, on the other hand, may be beneficial when someone has the flu.
Antivirals work by preventing the virus from replicating in the body. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are examples. The FDA also approved baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) for acute uncomplicated flu in eligible patients.
This treatment may be available to people 12 years and older who have had symptoms for less than 48 hours. Diarrhea and bronchitis are two possible adverse effects of some antiviral options.
Flu Home Remedies – How to Manage the Flu
When someone has the flu, it is critical that they:
- Keep warm and rest by staying at home and avoiding interaction with others whenever possible
- Drink plenty of liquids and eat healthy foods
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid smoking, as it increases the chance of complications
Because you may be contagious, experts recommend staying at home if you have severe symptoms such as a cough with mucus, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or exhaustion. The CDC also recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone away, unless you need to leave for medical care or another emergency reason.
Rest is also a crucial part of recovering from any illness.
Recovery Time
How quickly you recover from a cold or the flu depends on your overall health. In most cases, healthy people recover from a cold in seven to ten days. Flu symptoms, including fever, should usually resolve in about five days, although coughing and fatigue may continue for a little longer.
Within one to two weeks, all symptoms should usually disappear.
When you return to work or school, make sure to cough into your elbow and wash your hands frequently to help avoid spreading the virus to others.
In patients with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other respiratory disorders, these viruses can cause severe infections such as pneumonia. In those cases, recovery may take longer and closer medical care may be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the flu (influenza)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks.
2. What are the most common flu symptoms?
Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and chills. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and can make people feel very weak.
3. How is the flu different from the common cold?
Flu symptoms usually start suddenly and are more severe than a common cold. Fever, body aches, and extreme fatigue are common with the flu but less common with typical colds.
4. How long do flu symptoms usually last?
Most people begin to feel better within 7 to 10 days, although fatigue and coughing may continue for a little longer in some cases.
5. How soon after exposure do flu symptoms appear?
Flu symptoms typically appear 1 to 4 days after exposure to the influenza virus, which is known as the incubation period.
6. Can flu symptoms be treated with prescription medication?
Yes. Doctors may prescribe antiviral medications such as oseltamivir, baloxavir, or zanamivir to help reduce flu symptoms and shorten the duration of illness.
7. When should antiviral flu treatment be started?
Antiviral medications work best when they are started within 48 hours after symptoms begin, as they can help reduce symptom severity and complications.
8. Can I consult a doctor online for flu symptoms?
Many telehealth services allow patients to complete an online consultation where a licensed healthcare provider reviews symptoms and medical history to determine whether treatment or prescription medication is appropriate.
9. Who is at higher risk of serious flu complications?
People at higher risk include older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
10. When should I seek immediate medical care for flu symptoms?
You should seek urgent medical care if you experience severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, persistent dizziness, confusion, or symptoms that suddenly worsen after initial improvement.
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