Flu

Overview

Flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs, which are part of the respiratory system. It is not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Most people with the flu recover on their own, but influenza and its complications can be deadly, particularly for high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses. The flu can present with symptoms like fever, aching muscles, chills and sweats, headache, dry cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, and runny or stuffy nose. If you are at risk of complications, it is important to see a healthcare provider right away, as antiviral medication may help shorten the illness and prevent more severe problems. Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, seizures, worsening of existing medical conditions, severe weakness or muscle pain, and pale or blue-colored skin. To prevent the spread of flu, avoid touching your face, cover your coughs and sneezes, clean surfaces, and avoid crowds and sick individuals.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of flu include fever, aching muscles, chills and sweats, headache, dry persistent cough, shortness of breath, tiredness and weakness, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, eye pain, vomiting, and diarrhea (more common in children than adults). If you are at risk of complications, experiencing emergency symptoms, or if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to see a healthcare provider.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing the flu include:

1. Age: Children under age 2 and adults older than age 65 are more likely to have worse outcomes from seasonal influenza.
2. Living or working conditions: People who live or work in facilities with many residents, such as nursing homes or military barracks, are at higher risk. So are those staying in hospitals.
3. Weakened immune system: Cancer treatments, anti-rejection medications, long-term steroid use, organ transplant, blood cancer or HIV/AIDS can weaken the immune system, making it easier to catch the flu and potentially increasing the risk of complications.
4. Chronic illnesses: People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney or liver diseases may be at higher risk of influenza complications.
5. Race: American Indians or Alaska Natives may have an increased risk of influenza complications.
6. Aspirin use under age 19: Long-term aspirin therapy in young people under 19 increases the risk of developing Reye's syndrome if they contract influenza.
7. Pregnancy: Pregnant individuals are more likely to develop influenza complications, particularly in the second and third trimesters, which continues up to two weeks after the baby is born.
8. Obesity: People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher have an increased risk of flu complications.

Development

Flu viruses are constantly changing, with new strains appearing regularly. When a person is infected with a flu virus, their body mounts an immune response, producing antibodies to fight the infection. These antibodies help the body remember the specific strain of the virus, which can provide immunity against future infections with the same strain. However, antibody levels may decline over time, and new strains of the flu virus can be very different from those a person has encountered before. As a result, even if a person has had the flu in the past, they can still become infected with a new strain of the virus. The annual influenza vaccine helps reduce the chances of severe complications from infection, but it may not provide complete protection against all strains of the virus.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, you should see your health care provider right away. This includes people with weakened immune systems, people who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season, and people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and diabetes. For adults, emergency symptoms of the flu can include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, ongoing dizziness, seizures, worsening of existing medical conditions, severe weakness or muscle pain. For children, emergency symptoms can include difficulty breathing, pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, chest pain, dehydration, severe muscle pain, seizures, and worsening of existing medical conditions. If you have a fever greater than 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit (38.5 degrees Celsius) that lasts more than three days, or if your symptoms get worse or do not get better, you should also seek medical attention.

Diagnosis

To diagnose flu, a health care provider typically conducts a physical exam, looks for signs and symptoms of flu, and may order a test that detects influenza viruses. During times when flu is widespread, a health care provider may diagnose you based on your symptoms. In some cases, a test to diagnose influenza may be suggested, such as a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which may be more sensitive than other tests and may identify the influenza strain. It's also possible to have a test to diagnose both flu and COVID-19 if needed. Remember to stay home and avoid being around others if you have the flu to help control the spread of the disease.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of flu include pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, heart problems, ear infections, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and other complications primarily in high-risk individuals such as young children under age 2, adults older than age 65, pregnant people, those with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, American Indians or Alaska Natives, and people with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.

Prevention

Flu can be prevented through various measures such as avoiding touching your face, covering your coughs and sneezes, cleaning surfaces, and avoiding crowds and sick individuals. Getting vaccinated is also an effective way to prevent the flu, as it helps build immunity against the viruses that cause the illness. It's important to follow commonsense precautions, practice good hygiene, and stay home when sick to minimize the spread of the flu.

Home Remedies

Here are some home remedies for the flu:

1. Rest: Get plenty of rest and sleep, as this helps your body recover and fight the infection.
2. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, tea, and soup, to stay hydrated and help thin mucus.
3. Humidifier: Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help relieve congestion and coughing.
4. Throat lozenges or hard candy: Soothe a sore throat with throat lozenges or hard candy.
5. Saline nasal spray: Use a saline nasal spray to help relieve congestion and sinus pressure.
6. Warm compress: Apply a warm compress, such as a warm towel or heating pad, on your chest or back to help relieve congestion and provide comfort.
7. Over-the-counter medication: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help reduce fever and alleviate body aches. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Remember, if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe muscle pain, or signs of dehydration, seek medical attention.

Treatment

Treatment for the flu typically involves managing symptoms while the body fights off the infection. Here are some suggestions for managing flu symptoms:

1. Get plenty of rest: Focus on recovering by getting enough sleep and rest.
2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, fruit juices, and clear broths, to prevent dehydration.
3. Use over-the-counter medications: For relief from symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
4. Cough and cold medications: For children over 4 years old, cough and cold medications may help alleviate some symptoms. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before giving these medications to children.
5. Humidifiers: Using a cool-mist humidifier or taking a steamy shower can help relieve congestion and make breathing easier.
6. Nasal saline drops: For nasal congestion, saline drops can help loosen mucus and make breathing more comfortable. Remember, if you experience emergency symptoms or are at risk of complications, consult your healthcare provider right away. Antiviral medications may be prescribed to help shorten the duration of your illness and prevent more serious problems. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for flu, here are some steps you can take:

1. Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions: At the time you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet.
2. List any symptoms you're experiencing: Include any symptoms you've been experiencing, even if they seem unrelated to the flu, and note how long you've had them and what makes the symptoms worse or better.
3. List key personal information: Prepare a list of any major stresses or recent life changes. It may also be helpful to provide information about your typical daily diet, including whether you usually consume caffeine and alcohol.
4. List all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking: Include doses and any other relevant details.
5. Consider bringing a family member or friend: Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Having someone accompany you can help you remember important details and act as your advocate.
6. List questions to ask your doctor: Prepare a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider about your symptoms, treatments, or any other concerns you may have. Remember to be honest and open with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and medical history. This will help them provide the best possible care and advice for your situation.