Everything You Need to Know About the Flu
The ‘flu’ commonly describes several symptoms that are often mistaken for the common cold or vice versa.
Yet, it’s essential to know the difference to treat the illness correctly and know when to seek medical attention.
What is the flu?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs.
There are many strains of influenza, and it frequently mutates, creating new variants each year.
There are four types of influenza viruses—A, B, C, and D—however, only influenza A and B cause seasonal influenza symptoms in humans.
Is the flu the same as a cold?
A cold and the flu might have some symptoms in common, but they are quite different.
They are both respiratory illnesses but caused by different viruses.
The common cold is a milder illness and generally does not result in any complications.
On the other hand, the flu is a more serious respiratory illness. It can result in hospitalization and severe health complications, including pneumonia, lead to serious bacterial infections, and worsening of existing medical conditions. Another key difference is that having a fever due to a cold is rare while having a fever due to the flu is common.
Who is more likely to catch the flu?
Anyone of any age can get the flu; however, those in high-risk groups are more likely to develop serious complications.
High-risk groups include:
Pregnant women
65 or older
Children under age five (especially those under two)
People with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.
How does the flu spread?
The flu can spread quickly and does so via tiny droplets released when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
Less commonly, a person can also catch the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
You can catch the flu any time of year, but it’s more common in the winter and early spring months.
What are the symptoms of the flu in children and adults?
The symptoms of the flu generally come on suddenly rather than gradually. Adults and children who have the flu feel some or all of these symptoms to varying degrees:
Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
While children tend to have similar symptoms to adults, they can also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
What are the symptoms of the flu in babies?
The flu can be dangerous for babies, so if you notice the following symptoms in your baby, accompanied by a temperature of 38 degrees and over, it’s essential to seek medical care immediately:
Cough
Sore throat
Stuffy or runny nose
Vomiting
Diarrhea
More tired than usual
How is the flu diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing some or all the above symptoms, you likely have the flu. However, it’s impossible to know with absolute certainty whether you have the flu based on symptoms alone.
Most people don’t require an official diagnosis or testing because they recover on their own within a week or so.
However, those at high risk or experiencing severe symptoms should book an appointment with a doctor so they can determine if you have the flu by either rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) or more specialized lab tests.
How is the flu treated?
While prescription anti-viral medications are available in severe cases, most people treat the flu with at-home self-care and over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers and fever reducers (if necessary).
It’s essential to rest, stay hydrated, eat healthy food, stay warm, and avoid things like alcohol and smoking.
Keep your doctor in the loop about your symptoms so they can recommend the best options for you.
Should I get the flu vaccine?
YES! The flu vaccination is very effective and available for free in Australia for people over six months old.
Getting vaccinated not only reduces your risk of catching the flu and minimizes the severity if you do, but it also helps protect people who can’t have the vaccine for health reasons.
Talk to our reception staff on 02 9399 9399 to determine when the flu vaccination will be available in our Practice.
COVID-19: Please note, vaccination experts recommend waiting seven days between getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine. Click here for more info.
Lifestyle tips for avoiding the flu
While you can’t prevent the flu 100%, there are things you can do to reduce your risk of catching it, including:
Regularly wash your hands
Avoiding others who have flu symptoms
Keeping your immune system strong by living a healthy lifestyle.
A good diet, exercise, and managing your stress can go a long way in reducing your chances of infection.
If you or your child are experiencing flu-like symptoms, call our receptionists today to book an appointment with one of our practitioners - 02 9399 9399.
Image source: Pexels - Andrea-Piacquadio
