Key takeaways
- Seasonal flu is mainly caused by Influenza A and B viruses and peaks during winter.
- Symptoms commonly include fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, and exhaustion.
- At-risk groups include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
- Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands and covering coughs, helps prevent the spread of flu.
- Early antiviral treatment may shorten illness and prevent severe outcomes.
What is the flu (influenza)?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. A virus causes it. Note that influenza viruses differ from the so-called “stomach flu” viruses, which lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
Most individuals with the flu recover without medical help. However, influenza and its complications can occasionally be fatal. To safeguard against seasonal flu, an annual flu shot is recommended. While the vaccine doesn’t guarantee complete protection, it lowers the chance of serious flu-related complications. This is particularly crucial for those at high risk of severe outcomes.
In addition to getting vaccinated, you can adopt other precautions to avoid the flu. These include cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, washing your hands regularly, and ensuring good air circulation in your environment.
What distinguishes the flu from the common cold?
The flu and the common cold share similar symptoms, such as a runny nose and cough. However, cold symptoms are typically mild, whereas flu symptoms can be intense and lead to serious health issues. Different viruses cause colds and the flu.
What symptoms indicate the flu?
Flu symptoms, such as sore throat and nasal congestion, are common and can overlap with those of a cold. Colds typically develop gradually, whereas the flu often hits quickly within a few days after exposure. Despite cold discomfort, the flu usually causes more severe, rapid-onset symptoms.
Symptoms of the flu usually appear quickly, so that you may feel:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Cough
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose (congestion)
- Feeling tired or rundown
- Diarrhea or vomiting (usually only in children)
- Loss of appetite
In children, these symptoms typically manifest as fussiness or irritability. Children are more prone than adults to experience ear pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea when affected by the flu. In some cases, individuals may also experience eye pain, watery eyes, or discomfort in bright light.
If you experience a combination of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a doctor right away. These symptoms may also be present in other illnesses besides the flu; your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and tests.
Who is more likely to get infected with the influenza virus?
Certain health conditions can increase your risk of severe flu illness, potentially leading to life-threatening complications that may require hospitalization. You are at greater risk for severe disease if you:
- Have asthma, COPD, or another chronic lung condition.
- Have a history of kidney, liver, neurological, heart, or blood vessel diseases, including stroke.
- Have a condition that impacts muscle function or makes it difficult to cough, swallow, or clear fluids from your airways.
- Has diabetes.
- Have a compromised immune system resulting from HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications.
- Suffer from a blood disorder like sickle cell disease.
- Have a BMI greater than 30, indicating obesity.
- Are aged under five or over 65.
- Are pregnant.
- Are under 19 years of age and regularly take aspirin.
- Live in a long-term care facility.
What are the causes of influenza?
Influenza is caused by viruses that spread through the air via droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can inhale these droplets directly or become infected by touching surfaces like a keyboard and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
You can transmit the virus roughly a day before symptoms appear and for about 5 to 7 days after they begin. This timeframe is called being contagious. Children and individuals with weakened immune systems may remain infectious for an extended period.
Influenza viruses are in constant flux, with new strains often emerging. The initial flu infection grants some lasting immunity against similar variants. Annually, vaccines are formulated to target the strains most likely to circulate during that season. The immunity from these vaccines usually endures for several months in most individuals.
What are the risk factors linked to seasonal flu?
Several factors can increase your risk of catching the flu or experiencing complications from a flu infection.
1. Younger and older ages
Seasonal influenza is typically associated with more severe outcomes in young children, especially those aged 2 years or younger. Additionally, older adults over 65 generally face worse health outcomes.
2. Living conditions
People living in facilities with many residents, like nursing homes, are more likely to catch the flu.
3. Weakened immune system
An immune system that fails to clear the flu virus quickly could increase the risk of getting the flu or experiencing complications. Some individuals may have a compromised or suppressed immune response from birth, due to illness, disease treatment, or medication.
4. Chronic illnesses
Chronic conditions can elevate the risk of influenza complications. These include asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart conditions, nervous system disorders, prior strokes, metabolic issues, airway problems, and kidney, liver, or blood diseases.
5. Race or ethnicity
In the United States, Native American or Alaska Native, Black, or Latino individuals may face a greater risk of hospitalization due to influenza.
6. Aspirin therapy
Young people on long-term aspirin use may risk developing Reye’s syndrome if they catch the flu. That is why aspirin and other salicylate-containing products are not recommended for anyone under 18 during viral infections.
7. Pregnancy
Pregnant individuals are more likely to experience influenza complications, especially during the second and third trimesters.
8. Obesity
People with a BMI of 40 or higher face a greater risk of flu complications.
How is the flu transmitted?
The influenza virus spreads through direct or indirect contact with an infected person. Common ways to catch the flu include:
- Droplets from someone nearby coughing, sneezing, or talking can land on your hands or be inhaled into your nose or mouth through the air. This allows the flu to reach your lungs.
- Touching a surface contaminated with the flu virus and then touching your face, nose, mouth, or eyes. This includes items such as doorknobs, desks, computers, and phones.
- Touching someone’s hands or face who has the flu, then touching your own face, nose, mouth, or eyes.
What methods are used to diagnose the flu?
To diagnose the flu, or influenza, your doctor conducts a physical exam, checks for flu symptoms, and may order a test to detect flu viruses.
A flu test may be recommended to make an accurate diagnosis and guide your treatment accordingly. For individuals aged two and above, a home test might be an option. If you take an at-home test, be sure to share the results with your healthcare professional. Confirmatory testing by your doctor may be necessary, regardless of the initial result.
Types of flu tests you might encounter include:
- Molecular Tests: detect genetic material from the flu virus. A common type is PCR testing, also known as NAATs (nucleic acid amplification tests).
- Antigen tests: identify viral proteins known as antigens. Common examples of these include rapid influenza diagnostic tests.
A test can detect the flu and other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus disease 2019. It is also possible to have both COVID-19 and the flu at the same time.
What are the common treatments for the influenza virus?
Doctors may use antiviral medications to treat the flu in specific cases. These antivirals can reduce the risk of severe illness and promote quicker recovery. Many individuals can recover from the flu without prescription drugs. Doctors will recommend antivirals if:
- Your symptoms have been present for less than 48 hours. Starting antivirals after 2 days is less effective because the virus has already multiplied, and your immune system has begun producing antibodies to fight it.
- You have an underlying condition or are at risk for severe illness or complications, providers might prescribe antivirals even if your symptoms have lasted more than 48 hours.
- You have severe symptoms, even if you’ve been sick for more than 48 hours.
- You care for or live with people at risk of severe flu complications.
What are some effective lifestyle and home remedies for treating influenza?
If you are experiencing the flu, following these steps could help ease your symptoms:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Opt for water, juice, and warm soups to support your hydration levels.
- Rest: and get more sleep to strengthen your immune system against infection. You may need to modify your activity level depending on your symptoms.
- Consider using pain relievers: like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) to manage fever, headache, or body aches linked to influenza. Children and teenagers recovering from flu symptoms should avoid aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
To help prevent the spread of influenza in your community, stay home and keep sick children at home until their fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication. Avoid contact with others unless you need to go for a medical appointment, and wear a face mask if you must leave for care. Always wash your hands often.
What are some practical tips to maintain your health during flu season?
Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent influenza, with safe and effective vaccines in use for more than 60 years. Immunity from the vaccine wanes over 6 to 12 months, so yearly immunization is advised to maintain protection. While the vaccine may be less effective in older adults, it still offers some defense, reducing illness severity and the likelihood of complications and death. Vaccination is essential for high-risk individuals and their caregivers.
Annual vaccination is recommended for:
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years
- Older adults aged 65 and above
- People who have chronic medical conditions
- Healthcare workers
Additional methods to prevent influenza include the following:
- Wash your hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds and dry them thoroughly. When soap is unavailable, use an alcohol-based sanitizer and dry your hands frequently.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Dispose of tissues properly
- Stay home if you are feeling unwell.
- Avoid close contact with sick people, as the flu spreads easily within 6 feet of an infected person.
- Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Conclusion
Seasonal flu is a common and potentially serious respiratory virus that impacts millions each year. Knowing its signs, symptoms, causes, and prevention methods is key to protecting yourself and others. While antiviral medications can treat severe cases, getting an annual vaccine is still the most effective way to prevent it. Good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when sick, also help reduce transmission. Staying informed and active helps protect your health during flu season and lowers your risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What symptoms and effects should I anticipate if I contract the flu?
Most people can handle flu symptoms at home and recover in a few days to a week. Because it can lead to serious illness, it is essential to monitor your symptoms and seek medical help if needed. This is particularly important if you have underlying health issues. If you have the flu, stay away from others except for medical visits.
Who should receive a flu vaccine?
The CDC advises that nearly all individuals aged 6 months and older receive an annual flu shot. While several flu vaccines are tailored for people with specific health issues, it’s best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re uncertain about whether you need the vaccine.
When am I able to go back to work or school?
To avoid spreading the flu to others, do not go back to work or school until at least 24 hours after your fever has ended without using fever-reducing medications. Keep in mind that your employer or school might have different return policies.
When should I go to the ER?
Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience symptoms of severe illness, such as a high fever (over 103°F/40°C), difficulty breathing, little or no urination, persistent chest or abdominal pain, ongoing dizziness, confusion, severe muscle pain or weakness, seizures, or bluish skin, lips, or nails (cyanosis). Also, watch for fever or cough that initially improve but then worsen, or worsening of existing health conditions.
How can you prevent the flu from spreading?
The flu is highly contagious and spreads easily, especially within the first 5 days. It is transmitted through coughs and sneezes, and can survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours. To reduce the risk of spreading the flu, wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or use the bend of your elbow if no tissue is available), dispose of tissues immediately, and stay home if you have a high temperature or don’t feel well enough to carry out your usual activities.
