Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is one of the most common diseases which affect the people across the globe. As per the Harvard Special Report Viruses & Diseases, it can be caused by any of the three different types of viruses, which are type A, B, and C. The highly contagious virus spreads quickly as when the patient coughs or sneezes, the droplet of saliva contaminates the air and other people, surrounding the patients, can get affected by it.
How Long Does it Last?
Influenza is usually a short term illness, especially in the cases of healthy people. The human body immune system fights it off and it resolves itself. The symptoms of the flu start to appear between one to four days after an individual has been affected by the virus. It can last for around a week’s time.
Those individuals, who have had gotten flu shots, are at a decreased risk of suffering from this illness. Even if they get affected by flu, the symptoms are less severe and last for a relatively shorter period of time.
Risk Factor
Any individual can be affected by influenza; however, as discussed above, those who have gotten flu shots are at reduced risk. However, there are certain people, who have a greater risk of suffering from increased complications from influenza. These people include:
- Toddlers
- People who are older than 65 years or more
- Asthma patients
- HIV patients
- People suffering from any heart disease or diabetes
- pregnant women
Symptoms of Flu
The common symptoms of flu, which an individual’s body might show when they are attacked by the influenza virus, are:
- Shivering
- Fever
- Severe headache
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Complete Body pain
- Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea
Some of the protective measures need to be taken for avoiding the flu includes:
- Covering of mouth and nose with a tissue; it will help to reduce the virus from spreading in the air. You must throw the tissue after using it, and wash your hands properly with warm water.
- Ensure that your hands are germ-free before touching your mouth, eyes, and nose. If your hands are not dirty, you may end up transferring the germs to other parts of your body.
- Get timely flu shots in order to reduce the occurrence and impact of flu.
Treatment of Flue
For the treatment of flu, it is recommended to take plenty of fluids and proper rest. You can also contact your doctor to take pain relievers for lowering the temperature and getting relief from body aches. However, do not forget to follow the necessary protective measures, if you want to get rid of the illness in a short time.
DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.