What is the Flu?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that targets the lungs, nose, and throat. It is a contagious respiratory illness with symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
While the flu and the common cold share similar symptoms, the flu typically presents more severe symptoms that last longer. Anyone can contract the flu, but certain groups are at higher risk, including children under five and adults over 65. Those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, or diabetes are also more susceptible.
Symptoms of the Flu
At first, the flu might resemble a common cold, with early symptoms including a sore throat, sneezing, and a runny nose. As the virus progresses, symptoms can worsen and include:
- Fever
- Achy muscles
- Body chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Dry cough
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
- Weakness
For most people, the flu doesn’t require a doctor’s visit and can be managed with home treatment. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medications, plenty of rest, and staying hydrated can help alleviate symptoms. Typically, symptoms improve within a week.
However, certain groups are at higher risk for complications and should seek medical attention if flu symptoms are suspected. These groups include:
- Children under 2 years old
- Adults 65 years or older
- Pregnant women or those who have recently given birth
- Individuals 18 or younger taking aspirin or salicylate-containing medications
- American Indian or Alaska Native individuals
- People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or HIV
- Residents of nursing homes or care facilities
Doctors can prescribe antiviral drugs, which, if taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms, can reduce the duration and severity of the flu.
Complications of the Flu
Most people recover from the flu without complications. However, secondary infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear infections, can occur. If flu symptoms disappear and return, it may indicate a secondary infection. If this happens, it’s essential to see a doctor, as untreated pneumonia can be life-threatening.
How Does the Flu Spread?
The flu is highly contagious and can spread quickly in households, schools, offices, and social groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can transmit the flu to someone as early as one day before symptoms begin and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
The flu spreads primarily from person to person. When someone with the flu sneezes, coughs, or talks, their droplets become airborne. You can become infected if these droplets come into contact with your nose or mouth. You can also contract the flu by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your nose or mouth.
Types of Flu Viruses
There are three types of flu viruses that affect humans: type A, type B, and type C. (There is a fourth type, type D, which does not.)
- Type A flu: This virus can infect humans and animals and is known for causing annual flu epidemics. It constantly changes and can be more severe.
- Type B flu: also causes seasonal outbreaks but is typically less severe than type A. It only spreads from human to human.
- Type C flu: This type affects both humans and some animals but usually causes mild symptoms and few complications.
Preventing the Flu
To protect yourself and your family from the flu, it’s essential to take preventive measures:
- Hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your face: Refrain from touching your nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Clean surfaces: Use disinfectant wipes or spray on commonly touched surfaces in your home or workplace.
- Wear a face mask: If you’re caring for someone with the flu, wearing a face mask can help protect you.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
The Flu Vaccine
Getting an annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu. The vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. Although not 100% effective, it can reduce the risk of flu by 40 to 60%, according to the CDC.
The flu vaccine is administered via injection in the arm, and there is also a nasal spray option for nonpregnant individuals between the ages of 2 and 49. The vaccine is designed each year to protect against the most common strains of the flu virus. It stimulates the immune system to create antibodies to fight the infection.
After receiving the flu shot, you may experience mild flu-like symptoms, such as a low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches, which typically go away within 24 to 48 hours. The most common side effect is tenderness at the injection site.
Takeaway
To minimize your risk of contracting the flu and experiencing complications:
- Get a flu shot early in the season.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Following these steps can help protect yourself and others from the flu. Stay healthy!