Flu Care

Flu Care Treatment & Diagnostics in Chembur, Mumbai

Flu Care

Flu is a viral infection that occurs when the deadly influenza virus attacks your nose, throat, and lungs. It is a highly contagious disease, and individuals with a compromised immune system like pregnant women, older people and patients with autoimmune disorders are at the highest risk of suffering from it. 

What do we need to know about flu care?

Flu is similar to COVID-19, which occurs when the coronavirus attacks your respiratory system. It is, however, not the same as the stomach flu that causes diarrhea and vomiting and can be fatal or deadly, especially in the case of high-risk individuals as mentioned above. 

Your immunity system fights the virus on its own and so, proper rest and care are crucial for a quicker and thorough recovery. Flu care is all about taking the necessary precautions against the virus, and adhering to the course of treatment recommended by your doctor or physician.

To know more, you can search for a general medicine doctor near you or a general medicine hospital near you.

What are the symptoms of flu?

• Body pain and muscle aches
• Constant vomiting and diarrhea
• Body chills
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Stuffed or runny nose

If you are suffering from the symptoms above, you need to take necessary care.

What causes the flu?

Flu is a viral infection that develops in your body when you catch the influenza virus from another individual suffering from it. The transmission of the virus is through air and touch. 

When should you see a doctor?

If you have the flu symptoms, consult your doctor at the earliest. You need to start your flu medication at least within the first 48 hours of experiencing any symptoms. 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Ear pain or discharge from the ears
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Yellow or green mucus for more than a week.

apart from the other symptoms of flu. 

You can request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Chembur, Mumbai.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How is the flu diagnosed?

To check for flu, your doctor or physician will first ask you about all the symptoms you have been experiencing. 

After conducting a quick physical check, the doctor will do a swab test of your nose and throat. Here, a cotton swab is inserted into your nose and throat to take a sample of the mucus and saliva. The collected samples are tested in a laboratory for the presence of the influenza virus. 

How is the flu treated or cared for?

You must start the treatment and medication for flu as soon as you notice any symptoms. Apart from that, the only way to recover is to take proper rest to speed up the process. 

1. Stay isolated at home and take proper rest.
2. Take your medicines regularly and complete the course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor or physician. 
3. Drink a lot of water and fluids.
4. To help ease the aches, you can take certain over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen, etc. 
5. Consume fluids at lukewarm temperature if you have a sore throat and even otherwise.
6. Take steam to keep your nose clear of mucus and to strengthen your lungs.
7. You can take salty nasal drops to clear your nasal passage of the excess mucus.

You must also take a flu shot or the influenza vaccine once a year. People who have taken the vaccine develop far milder symptoms and have symptoms for a shorter duration as well. After you take the vaccine, your body can take upto 2 weeks to develop antibodies against the influenza virus. The influenza vaccine is for anyone who is 6 months and older.

Conclusion

The flu can be a critical disease to suffer from, especially if you fall under any of the high-risk groups. It’s crucial to seek treatment and help as soon as possible. And more importantly, if you suspect that you have caught the flu, isolate yourself immediately to prevent the spread of the virus from you to anyone else.