Since the world has been under the grip of Covid-19, we have almost forgotten about the common flu. While the repercussions of flu might not be as horrifying as Covid, we can’t afford to ignore its health implications. According to The Print, there had been 28, 798 cases of influenza in 2019, the year before Covid. However, post-Covid due to masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing there was some reduction in the number with 2,752 cases of infection and 44 deaths in 2020.
And now with the relaxation of Covid protocols and changes in the seasons, there can be a resurgence in the cases of flu. However, with proper care and precautions we can keep the flu at bay. Learn how!
Seasonal flu is caused due to influenza viruses that circulate in all parts of the body affecting these and the normal functioning of the body. The symptoms of seasonal flu include:
- sudden onset of fever,
- dry cough,
- headache,
- respiratory issues,
- muscle and joint pain,
- fatigue,
- sore throat
- runny nose.
- pain in the eyes
- vomiting or diarrhea
The symptoms might last for 2 or more weeks, which can be mild to severe and can even cause death. However, the chances of severe complications are less common and affect mostly children under the age of 2 and adults above 65 years of age.
Experts say that seasonal flu is a communicable disease and can spread from one person to another through droplets of cough, or sneeze of the infected person. Infected people are most contagious during the first three days of their illness.
The mild cases of flu can subside on their own with proper care, a healthy diet, and proper rest. However, people with the following severe symptoms must visit the doctor right away:
- difficulty in breathing
- chest pain
- ongoing dizziness
- seizures
- severe fatigue and muscle pain
- dehydration
- bronchitis
- asthma
- ear infections
- heart problems
- worsening of pre-existing medical conditions
Flu can be diagnosed clinically by health practitioners by collecting respiratory samples and the application of a laboratory diagnostic test. The most effective tests to assess flu are reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).
The treatment of the flu would depend on the severity of the condition. Patients with mild symptoms can be given seasonal treatment at home itself. Apart from resting, they would be advised to stay at home to avoid the further spread of the infection.
On the contrary, patients with severe symptoms would need to visit a doctor. They could be put on antivirals as prescribed by the physicians. And if the complications and respiratory issues persist then may also be required to shift to the hospital. The course of treatment can stretch up to 5 days.
Getting the flu, while the season changes, is all about immunity. The better your immunity the better your chances of avoiding it would be. However, there is one more way to keep flu at bay and that is prevention. So, no matter how confident you are about your immunity take a few preventive measures to safeguard yourself and others:
- take an annual shot of influenza vaccine once the flu season begins. However, you can still get the flu after vaccination but prevention is always better than cure.
- take special precautions during flu seasons which are the rainy season and the winter. Prefer home-cooked food and maintain your overall hygiene.
- take care of your respiratory hygiene and coughing etiquette. Cover your mouth while doing so.
- avoid interacting with infected or sick people.
- adhere to the standard protocols like regular washing of hands and using masks in public places.
- avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose repeatedly especially when you are outside the home to avoid the spread of infection.
- and also stay at home when you are infected.
The Final Word
Last but not least stay at home if you are infected to avoid the further spread of the infection. This is important, especially while you are around people with medical conditions like HIV, cancer, asthma, heart disease, and respiratory and lung diseases, as this can worsen their condition or even lead to death. And remember that responsibility towards yourself and others is the best way to prevent the flu and save lives.
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