Influenza
(Flu)
In this condition factsheet:
Diagnosing Influenza
Since the symptoms of an influenza infection can vary from the common cold, a diagnosis can be made fairly quickly. Your doctor will be able to tell that you have the flu if you have at least some or most of these symptoms:
- aches and pains everywhere, especially in the back and legs
- bad headache
- burning sensation in the chest
- dry cough at first, then bringing up sputum
- high fever
- nauseous feeling and possible vomiting
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- extreme tiredness
If there is any doubt, your doctor can make sure that it's the flu by taking a nasal or pharyngeal (throat) swab and testing it for the virus. This is rarely needed.
Treating and Preventing Influenza
The normal treatment for flu is rest and plenty of liquids.
Treatment also includes ways to prevent spreading the flu virus, such as proper handwashing, keeping common surfaces clean, and coughing or sneezing into your arm or sleeve.
Medications for specific symptoms can help. Cough suppressants can be used for cough. Acetylsalicylic acid* (ASA), ibuprofen, or acetaminophen can be used to treat symptoms of the flu, such as aches and fever.
Children and teenagers with flu shouldn't take ASA or other salicylates. The combination of influenza and ASA is linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition affecting the brain and liver. Many over-the-counter cold medications contain ASA or other salicylates. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about this.
Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like flu and the cold, but they may be prescribed for complications, such as pneumonia or other bacterial infections.
Antiviral medications like oseltamivir and zanamivir are sometimes used to treat the flu. These medications can help shorten the duration of the flu and reduce symptoms if they are taken within 2 days of the start of symptoms. Antiviral medications are also recommended to prevent flu infection for some people. Antivirals can be used to prevent flu in children and adults after they come into close contact with a person who has the flu, such as flu-infected people who live in the same household. Generally, this is not recommended for most people; however, antivirals may be recommended for people at risk for flu complications. In these situations, antiviral medications should be started as soon as possible after becoming exposed to the person with the flu. Your doctor can decide whether you should start antiviral medications.
Zanamivir and oseltamivir are antiviral medications that can be used to treat and prevent influenza A. They prevent newly formed viruses from escaping the infected cells that produced them. This limits further spread of the virus in the body. Zanamivir is an inhaled spray, whereas oseltamivir is a pill. Taken within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of illness, these medications reduce the duration of symptoms by up to 1 day.
Flu antibodies can prevent flu. The only ways to generate antibodies are to be infected or to get vaccinated. Because the flu viruses can change from year to year, vaccination needs to be repeated every year. Keep in mind that all flu vaccines take 2 weeks to start providing the maximum protection against the influenza virus, so it's important to get vaccinated early.
Each spring, a worldwide network of physicians and testing labs decide which flu strains are likely to cause trouble and design that year's vaccine accordingly. There are 2 types of vaccine available: the trivalent vaccine protects against 1 type B strain and the 2 type A strains; the quadrivalent vaccine protects against 2 type B strains and the 2 type A strains that are expected to predominate in the coming flu season. Those over the age of 65 should receive a high-dose or boosted vaccine instead.
The effectiveness of the vaccine can vary from season to season, which means there is still a chance that you can get the flu – although your symptoms may be milder. The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 6 months and older.
Certain people are at an increased risk of complications from the flu and should receive the vaccine. High risk groups include:
- people aged 65 years or older
- young children under 5 years of age (especially those under the age of 2)
- people with underlying medical conditions, including people with:
- a chronic lung condition or disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], cystic fibrosis)
- diabetes
- heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease)
- chronic kidney or liver disease
- a weakened immune system (immunocompromised), which can be caused by:
- HIV/AIDS, an infection that attacks the immune system
- certain types of cancer (e.g., lung cancer)
- medications for certain conditions, such as:
- organ transplants: steroids, used to suppress the immune system to prevent organ rejection (e.g., mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, cyclosporine)
- cancer: chemotherapies (e.g., methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, taxane drugs such as paclitaxel or docetaxel)
- certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis: steroids, biological agents (antibodies such as adalimumab or infliximab), immunosuppressants
- Crohn's disease: steroids, biologics, and immunosuppressants
- blood disorders (e.g., any type of anemia)
- neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions that affect their ability to swallow and breathe
- obesity
- residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, regardless of age
- pregnant people (especially if they are in their second or third trimester), up to 2 weeks after delivery
- children receiving long-term therapy with Aspirin or products containing ASA
People who should not receive a flu shot include children less than 6 months of age and people with severe allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.
You can reduce your risk of getting the flu by practicing regular handwashing using soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your sleeve. Dispose of the tissue right away. If you have flu symptoms, stay home from work or school and avoid contact with people who are at a high risk of flu complications (e.g., seniors, nursing home residents).
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/Influenza
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