INFLUENZA: A COMMON YET POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ILLNESS
Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious disease that can affect both children and adults of all ages. The flu is more prevalent during the winter months, as increased social interactions during festive seasons facilitate its spread. The virus is transmitted from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces.
2/11/2025 9:18:15 AM
Who Is at Risk?
Severe cases of the flu are more likely to occur in:
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Young children
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Elderly individuals
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Pregnant women
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People with pre-existing health conditions such as asthma or other chronic lung diseases
Throughout history, some flu outbreaks (known as pandemics) have led to significant global fatalities. These pandemics typically arise when new flu virus strains emerge (often originating from animals like pigs or birds), and humans lack immunity to them.
Symptoms of Influenza
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Flu symptoms can vary among individuals, but the most common include:
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Fever (temperature above 100°F [37.8°C])
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Headache and muscle aches
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Fatigue
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Cough and sore throat
Most flu patients experience fever for 2-5 days, unlike fevers caused by other respiratory viruses, which usually resolve within 24-48 hours. Alongside fever and muscle aches, some individuals may also develop cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat. While flu symptoms generally improve within 2-5 days, the illness can last for a week or longer, with fatigue and weakness persisting for several weeks.
Flu Complications
In some cases, flu can lead to complications, the most common being pneumonia, a serious lung infection. People at higher risk include:
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Young children
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Individuals over 65 years old
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Residents of long-term care facilities (e.g., nursing homes)
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People with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions
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Those with weakened immune systems (e.g., organ transplant recipients)
Diagnosing Influenza
Flu is typically diagnosed based on symptoms such as fever, cough, and muscle aches. In certain cases—such as during flu outbreaks or in high-risk patients—laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for Influenza
Most people recover from the flu within 1-2 weeks without specific treatment. However, severe cases can lead to serious complications.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Children: Take your child to a doctor if they exhibit any of the following symptoms:
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Bluish or purplish skin color
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Extreme irritability or inconsolable crying
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Unresponsiveness or difficulty waking up
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Breathing difficulties
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Chest or abdominal pain
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Signs of dehydration (e.g., no tears when crying, no urination for several hours)
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Persistent vomiting or inability to consume fluids
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Fever accompanied by a rash
High-Risk Groups
The following individuals are at greater risk of flu-related complications:
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Pregnant women
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Children under 5 years old (especially those under 2 years old)
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Adults aged 65 and older
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Individuals with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
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People with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV patients, organ transplant recipients)
How to Manage the Flu at Home
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Rest: Adequate sleep and relaxation aid recovery.
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. A simple way to check hydration is to observe urine color—light yellow to clear urine indicates sufficient hydration.
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Fever and pain relief: Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) can help reduce fever and muscle aches. Avoid giving aspirin to children as it may cause Reye’s syndrome.
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Symptom relief: Cough syrup and saline nasal drops can help ease symptoms.
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Antiviral medication: Antiviral drugs can treat and prevent the flu. They work best when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset and help reduce symptom severity and duration by about a day.
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Not everyone with the flu needs antiviral medication. Doctors will assess whether it is necessary based on the severity of illness and risk factors for complications. Children with mild flu symptoms and no risk factors may be prescribed antiviral medication only if diagnosed within the first 48 hours.
Important Note About Antibiotics
Antibiotics do NOT treat the flu since it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. They should only be used if bacterial complications arise, such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, or sinus infections. Unnecessary antibiotic use can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Flu Prevention
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Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu.
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Hand hygiene: Wash hands frequently to reduce infection risk.
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Antiviral medication: In some cases, antiviral drugs can prevent flu infection after exposure to an infected person.
By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu and its complications. Stay safe and take care!
Source: UPTODATE Patient education: Influenza symptoms and treatment