Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Influenza is a worldwide public health issue, and India is no exception. It is one of India’s leading causes of illness and mortality. Influenza is a major concern, particularly among high-risk individuals such as the elderly, patients with co-morbid diseases, and immune-compromised people. Fortunately, it is a sickness that may be prevented. In this blog, we will explore more information about this disease.
FAQ #1: What is influenza?
Influenza, sometimes known as the flu, is an infection of the upper respiratory system caused by the influenza A or B virus.
FAQ #2: What are some symptoms of influenza?
Influenza causes mild to severe symptoms and life-threatening complications, even in healthy children and adults. It is characterized by sudden onset of fever, aching muscles, cough, chest congestion, chills, and weariness are common flu symptoms that appear suddenly and last for a few hours.
Although vomiting and diarrhoea are prevalent in children, they are not typical flu symptoms in adults. Other clinical manifestations may include a headache, a strong cough, extreme exhaustion, muscle aches and pains, and a runny or stuffy nose
FAQ #3: Can you get influenza twice?
Yes. Influenza viruses change frequently.
FAQ #4: How soon do symptoms first appear?
It takes around 2 days from the moment a person is exposed to and infected with flu until symptoms appear, but some cases can take anywhere from 1 to 4 days. Individuals who have contracted the infection can pass the flu on to others even before the onset of their own symptoms.
FAQ #5: How long does influenza flu last?
Symptoms often occur one to four days after virus contact and continue five to seven days. Symptoms may persist a shorter time or be less severe in persons who have had a flu vaccination. Symptoms may linger longer for some people. Even if your symptoms go away, you may still feel tired.
FAQ #6: How do I ease symptoms of flu ASAP?
- Stay home
- Try to get ample rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Steaming
- Consume light meals
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Staying warm
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Using a humidifier
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
FAQ #7: Is flu contagious?
Yes, Influenza is a highly contagious disease, and easily spreads from one person to another.
FAQ #8: How does influenza spread?
Most experts believe that flu viruses are spread by respiratory droplets, coughing, sneezing, and contacting respiratory droplets on people or objects, then touching mucous membranes (mouth, nose, and eyes) without washing hands.
FAQ #9: What is the period of contagiousness with the flu?
The first 3 to 4 days after a flu infection develops, people are most contagious. Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others as early as one day before symptoms appear and as late as five to seven days after becoming ill.
FAQ #10: Who is most likely to be infected with flu?
Anyone (even healthy individuals) can catch the flu, and significant complications from the flu can occur at any age, although some people are at a higher risk of having serious flu-related complications if they become ill. Individuals who are at higher risk of complications caused by flu include the following:
- Children (especially those under the age of two years)
- Adults (aged 65 and up)
- Pregnant women
- Women up to two weeks postpartum
Patients with comorbid medical conditions including:
- Asthma
- Neurological and neurodevelopmental
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Blood disorders
- Diabetes mellitus
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Metabolic
- Weakened immune system
FAQ #11: Is steam inhalation good for flu?
When you’re sick with influenza, steam inhalation can help clear your nasal and respiratory passages, but it won’t actually heal your condition. The majority of the work to get rid of the virus causing your symptoms will still be done by your immune system.
FAQ #12: When does the flu require hospitalization?
Adults with a fever of more than 102 degrees, as well as any of the flu-like symptoms listed below, you should seek immediate medical assistance:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Vertigo and light-headedness
FAQ #13: Does getting sick with influenza put you at risk of other infections?
Yes, you’re more likely to contract other infections if you get sick with influenza. Infections of the lungs, such as viral or bacterial pneumonia, are among them. The risk of complications can be very dangerous and life-threatening.
FAQ #14: Is long term natural immunity against influenza possible?
Given that the virus is constantly changing, it is impossible to develop long-term natural immunity to influenza.
FAQ #15: How can you lower the chances of contracting influenza?
You can lower your chances of catching influenza or spreading it to others by doing the following:
- Practising hand-washing etiquette on a regular basis
- Cleaning and sanitising things and surfaces that people come into contact with, and promptly discarding used tissues in the trash.
- Coughing and sneezing into your shirt sleeve or a handkerchief, rather than into your hands
- Staying at home
- Taking vaccination against influenza
FAQ #16: What Ayurvedic herbal remedies help to treat symptoms of flu?
The Ayurvedic herbs that can serve as effective anti-influenza agents are Thyme, mint, eucalyptus, basil, ginger and rosemary. Ayurvedic Kadhas has become the best-selling remedy for alleviation of symptoms of influenza-like illness these days.
Final thoughts
It is important to remember that although the highest incidence of the disease is among children and young adults, the flu may affect individuals of all ages. If you feel unwell with the above-mentioned symptoms, you should call your doctor’s office.
