Influenza or Flu

Influenza or Flu Treatment in Chunni-ganj, Kanpur 

Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. The illness can be contagious. The illness affects each person severely and hence, can be mild or severe. Old people, young kids, and people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious flu symptoms.

What is the Flu?

Flu is essentially a respiratory illness that results from a viral illness. The flu virus is commonly spread through droplets dispensed in the air by people when they cough or sneeze. These droplets are then inhaled by the people around them, causing them to fall sick. Sometimes the flu virus can also be present on surfaces and infect people when they touch the dirty surface. It is recommended to get vaccinated each year to prevent yourself from catching the flu.

There are two main types of influenza viruses: Type A and Type B. These viruses affect humans and cause seasonal flu every year.

To prevent the spread of the flu, one should take the vaccine, regularly wash their hands, not touch their nose, eyes, or mouth without washing their hands first as this spreads the virus.

What are common flu symptoms?

Each person is affected by the flu differently, hence, the symptoms differ from case to case. Not everyone who has the flu may have a fever. People affected by the flu may have the following symptoms:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever/feverish chills
• Body ache
• Headache
• Nausea (more common in children)
• Fatigue
• Runny nose

When to see a doctor at Apollo Spectra, Kanpur ?

A person with flu should immediately isolate themselves to prevent infecting people around them. The flu infects children and adults differently hence, the warning signs or signs of emergency differ. A professional should be consulted when the following symptoms develop:

1. In Children -
   • Change in skin color (bluish skin color)
   • Trouble in breathing
   • Not drinking enough fluids
   • Recurrence of fever
   • Fever with rash
   • Irritable child or infant
   • If an infant, then he has fewer or no tears while crying
   • Fewer wet diapers than usual
2. In Adults -
   • Breathlessness
   • Chest or abdomen pain
   • Dizziness and confusion
   • Severe cold and cough
   • Severe nausea

Pregnant women should consult the doctor before taking any kind of medication.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

People at high risk of developing severe flu symptoms include:

• Children below the age of 5 and infants
• Adults that are 65 years old or older
• Pregnant women
• People with existing health conditions like asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, neurological disorders, kidney disorders, liver disorders, blood disorders, weakened immunity due to any other medical treatment, or people who are morbidly obese

How to prevent symptoms from getting severe?

• Patients with flu should take plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Severe dehydration can lead to a person being admitted to the hospital. Sick people should take clear fluids like water or broth. Offer ice chips to suck on or straws to make it easier for them to drink water. Kidney patients should consult their doctor on the right amount of intake of fluid. Infants can be breastfed or given fluid. If there is difficulty in breastfeeding the baby, consult the doctor.
• Regularly check for signs of dehydration by checking the color of the urine of the patient, frequent trips to the bathroom, diapers of infants for the flow, etc.
• Keep a check on the temperature regularly and check with the doctor for appropriate medication, if you have a fever. In severe cases of fever, it can cause a seizure too. In such cases, contact for medical help immediately.
• Dry cough is a symptom and it can cause itchiness and a sore feeling in the throat. Use a humidifier and cough syrup to treat it after consulting your doctor.

Conclusion:

Influenza or flu is an illness caused by viruses that affect the respiratory tracts in humans. It can spread directly or indirectly. The symptoms and severity of the disease vary from person to person. The Type A virus is the most common and causes seasonal influenza. Annual vaccination can prevent severe illness and death from influenza.