Key takeaways:
- Seasonal flu is mainly caused by Influenza A and B viruses and spreads easily 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)?
The seasonal flu is a sickness caused by the influenza virus. It can cause symptoms such as headache, body aches, sore throat, fever, and respiratory problems, which can be severe. The flu is most prevalent during winter, often spreading widely and causing epidemics.
Flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, including the U.S., spans from October to May, with the highest case numbers usually happening between December and February.
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?
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
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.
What causes the flu?
The influenza virus causes the flu. The most common types are Influenza A, B, and C. Influenza A and B are seasonal, mainly occurring in winter, and usually produce more severe symptoms. In contrast, Influenza C causes mild symptoms and is not seasonal; its case numbers stay relatively constant throughout the year.
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 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?
Your doctor diagnoses the flu by listening to your symptoms and taking a mucus sample from your nose. They insert a long, soft-tipped swab into your nose to collect the sample. Results can be available within a few minutes, or the sample may be sent to a lab, with results arriving in a day or two.
What are the common treatments for the seasonal flu?
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 you:
- 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.
- If you have an underlying condition or are at risk for severe illness, providers might prescribe antivirals even if your symptoms have lasted more than 48 hours.
- Have severe symptoms, even if you’ve been sick for more than 48 hours.
- Care for or live with people at risk of severe flu complications.
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 time, 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 ages 6 months to 5 years
- People aged 65 and older
- People who have chronic medical conditions
- Health workers.
Additional methods to prevent influenza include:
- 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 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.
