Flu: How To Get Safe

What Is Flu? | Symptoms Of Influenza | Risk Factors | Home Remedies| Conclusion |

Thinking of ways to stay safe from flu? Then this article is just what you need to equip yourself with information that will help prevent you from getting infected with flu. Read on to get a full grasp of what flu all about.

What Is Flu?

Influenza Virus which is otherwise known as Flu is a viral infection that affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. This respiratory infection is highly contagious and usually transmitted through droplets of bodily fluids that are released when an infected person sneezes and/or coughs in the presence of other individuals. The symptoms begin quickly, ranging from mild to severe and in some cases the virus can be fatal.

Symptoms Of Influenza

Although the symptoms of flu and that of severe cold sometimes bear a resemblance such as coughs, stuffy or running nose and sore throats; the symptoms of Influenza Virus are more intense than that of a common cold. These symptoms include:

Headaches
Muscle and general body aches.
Fatigue
Cold sweats and chills.
Fever
Sore throat.
Cough
Diarrhea

It is important to note that all of these symptoms will not manifest in an individual when they have flu. However, some of the symptoms such as fatigue are always felt for at least one week or more after the flu is gone.

Risk Factors Associated With Flu

In most cases, the symptoms of this respiratory infection resolve on their own without the need for any form of medication. However, some people are more at risk of having flu complications that might need urgent medical attention. You will suffer more from the complications of Flu if you fall under any of these groups of people:

If you have a weak immune system.
If you have children who are below five years of age, especially neonates and babies who are below two years old, they are likely to suffer from flu.
If you suffer from any chronic illness such as diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, liver disease, heart diseases, chronic lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) and blood disorders such as Sickle Cell Anemia.
If you are extremely obese with a body mass index of about 40 or more.
If you are above 65 years old.
If you are pregnant or two weeks postpartum.
If you work or reside in care facilities such as a hospital or nursing home.
If you have neurological disorders.

There are high-risk health conditions that may be developed as a result of any of these flu complications mentioned above. This means that any child or adult that has any of the complications could develop any of the major and fatal health conditions listed below:

Asthma Attacks.
Pneumonia
Dehydration
Otitis media or any other ear infection.
Bronchitis
Heart-related diseases.

Since the Influenza Virus is a viral infection, it can be treated with the use of antiviral medications which will be prescribed by a medical doctor. In addition to this, you will also be given a pain relief medication that will help soothe the muscle pain as well as headaches that come with the viral infection. Some of these pain relief medications can be purchased over-the-counter. However, it is advised that you should always have a proper vaccination against flu. Although this might not totally prevent you from getting infected, it will go a long way in reducing your symptoms.

Home Remedies For Influenza Virus

If you notice any of the flu symptoms, some of the home remedies listed below will help you get better quickly:

Stay at home to avoid having contact with people as this may reduce your ability to infect them.
Try to get as much rest as possible.
Avoid contact with cold.
Try to eat if you can.
Drinking plenty of fluids especially water will help you get better quickly.
Stay away from alcohol.
Do not smoke as this might flare up the symptoms.
Be sure to have someone close by to help you or keep an eye on you in case your symptoms worsen.

Be sure to call a doctor right away if your flu symptoms worsen after four or five days. Contact your medical caregiver if you begin to feel uncomfortable or if you experience tightness in your chest area as this might require urgent medical intervention.

In Conclusion,

You can protect yourself from getting infected with flu by practicing proper hygiene. Ensure that your hands are well washed as often as possible. Use soap and water to wash your hands at all times, after which an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be applied. Also, you should try to stay away from people who are already infected with the Influenza Virus. Make sure you practice a healthy feeding habit by incorporating fruits and veggies in your diet, which will help in boosting your immune system.

Ultimately, the best way to protect yourself and stay safe from the Influenza Virus is by getting an approved flu vaccination. This can be taken every year. There are two types of Flu vaccines which are the Nasal-spray Flu Vaccine and the Flu shot. These flu vaccines which can be administered to infants that are 6 months old, is one sure way of preventing the infection and spread of the Influenza Virus.