Influenza (Flu)
The flu is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads easily.
This article discusses influenza types A and B. Another type of the flu is the swine flu (H1N1).
Causes
The flu is caused by an influenza virus.
Most people get the flu when they breathe in tiny airborne droplets from the coughs or sneezes of someone who has the flu. You can also catch the flu if you touch something with the virus on it, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes.
People often confuse colds and flu. They are different, but you might have some of the same symptoms. Most people get a cold several times a year. On the contrary, people get the flu only once every few years.
Sometimes, you can get a virus that makes you throw up or have diarrhea. Some people call this the "stomach flu." This is a misleading name because this virus is not the actual flu. The flu mostly affects your nose, throat, and lungs.
Symptoms
Flu symptoms will often start quickly. You can start to feel sick about 1 to 7 days after you come in contact with the virus. Most of the time symptoms appear within 2-3 days.
The flu spreads easily. It can affect a large group of people in a very short amount of time. For example, students and co-workers get sick within 2 or 3 weeks of the flu's arrival in a school or workplace.
The first symptom is a fever between 102 and 106°F. An adult often has a lower fever than a child.
Other common symptoms include:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Flushed face
- Headache
- Lack of energy
- Nausea and vomiting
The fever, aches, and pains begin to go away on days 2 through 4. But new symptoms occur, including:
- Dry cough
- Increased symptoms that affect breathing
- Runny nose (clear and watery)
- Sneezing
Most symptoms go away in 4 to 7 days. The cough and tired feeling may last for weeks. Sometimes, the fever comes back.
Some people may not feel like eating.
The flu can make asthma, breathing problems, and other long-term illnesses and conditions worse.
Exams and Tests
Most people do not need to see a health care provider when they have flu symptoms. This is because most people are not at risk for a severe case of the flu.
If you are very sick with the flu, you may want to see your health care provider. People who are at high risk for flu complications may also want to see a health care provider if they get the flu.
When many people in an area have flu, a health care provider can make a diagnosis after hearing about your symptoms. No further testing is needed.
There is a test to detect the flu. It is done by swabbing the nose or throat. Most of the time, test results are available very fast. The test can help your health care provider prescribe the best treatment.
Treatment
HOME CARE
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) help lower fever. Health care providers sometimes suggest that you use both types of medicine. Do NOT use aspirin.
A fever does not need to come all the way down to normal. Most people feel better when the temperature drops by 1 degree.
Over-the-counter cold medicines may make some of your symptoms better. Cough drops or throat sprays will help with your sore throat.
You will need a lot of rest. Drink plenty of liquids. Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
Most people with milder symptoms feel better in 3 to 4 days. They do not need to see a health care provider or take antiviral medicines.
Health care providers may give antiviral drugs to people who get very sick with the flu. You may need these medicines if you are more likely to have flu complications.
These medicines may shorten the time you have symptoms by about 1 day. They work better if you start taking them within 2 days of your first symptoms.
Children at risk of a severe case of the flu may also need these medicines.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Millions of people in the United States get the flu each year. Most people get better within a week or two, but thousands of people with the flu develop pneumonia or a brain infection. They need to stay in the hospital. About 36,000 people in the U.S. die each year of problems from the flu.
Anyone at any age can have serious complications from the flu. Those at highest risk include:
- People over the age of 65
- Children younger than 2 years old
- Women who are more than 3 months pregnant
- Anyone living in a long-term care facility
- Anyone with chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
- Meningitis
- Seizures
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you get the flu and think you are at risk for having complications.
Also call your health care provider if your flu symptoms are very bad and self-treatment is not working.
Prevention
You can take steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu. The best step is to get a flu vaccine.
If you have the flu:
- Stay in your apartment, dorm room, or home for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone.
- Wear a mask if you leave your room.
- Avoid sharing food, utensils, cups, or bottles.
- Use hand sanitizer often during the day and always after touching your face.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing and throw it away after use.
- Cough into your sleeve if a tissue is not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older should receive the influenza vaccine.