What is Flu (Influenza)?
It is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It affects the whole body, though it is a respiratory ailment. Flu viruses are highly contagious and every year, new variations can arise. It is impossible to differentiate between cold and a mild flu. People experience discomfort for 10days and then recover. Sometimes however the virus can lead to serious complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.
Symptoms of Flu
- Within 72 hours of exposure to a flu virus, symptoms that develop are runny nose, chills, burning sensation in the eyes, high fever between 101 to 103degree Fahrenheit, that lasts for 3-5days, loss of appetite, sore throat, joint pain, stuffy nose, headache and dry cough.
Causes of Influenza Flu
- Influenza is highly contagious and can spread from infected droplets expelled while sneezing or coughing; touching hands of the infected person and even in dried mucous the virus can live for hours.
Home remedies for Influenza Flu
- Washing your hands frequently helps in controlling the spread of virus.
- Drink at-least 8 glasses of fluids (hot/cold) per day. Fluids prevent dehydration of the respiratory system and can fight off the virus.
- Coughing can cause sore throat and spread the virus into the lungs. Take dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant.
- Until your body aches and pains disappear, and your body temperature returns to normal, stay in bed.
- If fever is 103degree Fahrenheit and above, take acetaminophen every 4hours. If your fever is below 102degree Fahrenheit, avoid the drug
How do I prevent Influenza?
- Keep away from infected people.
- A vaccination is the best method for flu prevention