What Is Flu? Everything You Need to Know About the Flu 2023
What is flu? There are some things that you should know about the flu before you get it. This is so that you can stay safe and avoid getting the worst case scenario.
Contagious from a day before to a week after
It is possible to get the flu from a day before to a week after you have contracted it. This is because the flu is spread through contact with other people’s coughs and sneezes, which are infected by the virus.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, body aches, chills, and a headache. If you have a high fever, it is best to stay home for at least 24 hours. You may be contagious for longer than this period, however.
During the contagious period, you can still spread the flu virus even though you are feeling better. In fact, it’s best to avoid going back to work. The CDC says you should stay home from work until you are no longer contagious.
One reason you may be contagious is because you are not taking medicine. Antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, which is also known as “flu medication”, can shorten the contagious period by a number of days.
Another reason you can get the flu is if you touch surfaces without washing your hands. Using hand sanitizer can help.
Symptoms are similar to those of a cold
Although a cold and flu both have similar symptoms, it is often difficult to tell the difference. Both can cause fever, body aches and headaches. However, the symptoms of the flu tend to be more serious. Flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia, heart infection and bronchitis.
Colds are common infections of the upper respiratory tract that usually do not result in serious health problems. Most people get at least one cold every year. They can be caused by several hundred different viruses.
If you experience cold symptoms, you can take over-the-counter medications to relieve them. You can also drink plenty of fluids and rest. But if you feel you may be developing the flu, you should see a doctor.
A cough can be a sign of both a cold and the flu. Colds generally start with a sore throat, runny nose and nasal congestion.
The flu is caused by a virus and can affect the nasal, throat and lungs. It can also lead to a bacterial infection.
Treatment options
If you are infected with the flu, you need to know what treatment options are available to you. You may be able to recover by taking over-the-counter medications and antiviral drugs, but there are risks involved.
One of the best ways to treat the flu is to rest. It is important to make sure that you are getting enough sleep and that you are eating nutritious foods. This will help you get over the illness more quickly.
In addition to taking care of yourself, you should also avoid contact with people who are sick. Your immune system is weaker when you are ill, so if you are in close proximity to someone who is infected, you can get the flu.
Antiviral medicines are prescribed to help prevent severe complications and to reduce the length of time you are infected with the virus. These medicines are most effective when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
The flu vaccine can also reduce the risk of serious complications. The vaccine is available for both children and adults.
Complications
Flu complications are serious illnesses that can have life-threatening consequences for some people. It is important to know what causes them so you can avoid them. The flu virus can cause a number of complications, including pneumonia and sepsis.
Pneumonia is caused by the infection of a bacterial strain in the respiratory tract. Pneumonia may require hospitalization. A green or yellow sputum may indicate that you have pneumonia. You may also need to take intravenous fluids and be given oxygen.
Pneumonia can result in sepsis, a type of inflammatory response that can lead to organ failure. Some of the signs that you have pneumonia are a fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
In addition to pneumonia, the flu can be fatal. This is because the immune system is overwhelmed and attacks the body’s own healthy tissues.
Those at risk of developing serious flu complications include pregnant women, young children, and older adults. They can also be at greater risk because of a preexisting medical condition. Using antiviral medications can decrease the likelihood of developing complications. Hope you enjoy reading our article What Is Flu? Everything You Need to Know About the Flu 2023.