GATEWAY PHARMACY
Influenza, generally called flu, is a communicable disease caused by RNA viruses that belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. This infection usually affects the respiratory tract causing about two (2) to three (3) weeks suffering, based on how the body responds to the virus and how early its treatment starts. Recognizing the flu symptoms early enough is essential for better treatment and prevention. Most people mistake common cold symptoms for flu, thereby delaying the start of treatment and complicate health. However, if you observe closely, it is possible to distinguish between flu and common cold. Generally, flu symptoms appear suddenly and can make a victim weak within a couple of days.
There are several different flu types and the most common symptoms among them include headache, fatigue, sweating, nausea, chills, dry cough, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and body aches. High fever that is accompanied by some of these symptoms is usually a good indication that a person has been infected with flu. Another good way to diagnose the flu symptoms is to watch out for sneezing. People suffering from common cold tend to sneeze frequently, while those infected with flu do not sneeze as often. Coughing and chest problems can likewise become quite severe with flu, but only mild in case of common cold.
It is noticed that children and young people suffer more from chills and fever compared to older people. An acute flu attack may cause the body temperature to rise as 1040c or higher. When this is noticed, urgent medical treatment is required as this could cost your life. You may not experience much of nasal problems as long as the fever lasts. Usually, they become prominent after the first period of infection is over. Children can suffer from diarrhoea and vomiting during the infection period.
When to be bothered About Symptoms of Flu
Generally, flu symptoms only last for a day or two. But if they last for more days or they get increasingly worse, then it is vital to seek medical attention without delay. Never wait till they worsen. The flu can wear out people who are already weak and if prolonged can result in more severe health complications like pneumonia. If you show any flu symptoms for a very long period or have any pre-existing medical illnesses that may have run your system down, you must visit your physician or the emergency room without delay.
Even if you are quite in good physical shape but have symptoms of chills, body aches, diarrhoea, high fever above 1040c, vomiting, nausea or the likes for more than three days, you must consult your physician immediately as this could result in other health complications and even death. Therefore, early diagnosis is essential for timely antiviral treatment. In case you have got any of the symptoms mentioned above and they persist after three days, consult a physician as soon as you get the feeling that you may have been infected with influenza.