Influenza commonly known as “the flu,” is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. A typical influenza infection causes fever, respiratory symptoms, such as cough, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and often, extreme fatigue. Even though at times, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea accompany influenza, gastrointestinal symptoms are rarely prominent, making the term “stomach flu” merely a misleading nickname.
Recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, for most people who get the flu, but some more serious infections can take longer. In some cases, people even develop potentially life-threatening medical complications, such as pneumonia. There are an average of 20,000 deaths nationwide, and many more hospitalizations associated with influenza.
What is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, and chills. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly and can be more severe.
Types of Influenza
Influenza viruses are classified into four types:
- Influenza A – Responsible for most seasonal flu outbreaks and pandemics.
- Influenza B – Causes seasonal flu but is generally less severe than type A.
- Influenza C – Leads to mild respiratory illness and does not cause epidemics.
- Influenza D – Primarily affects cattle and is not known to infect humans.
How Influenza Spreads
The flu spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face
Signs and Symptoms of Influenza
Influenza, or the flu, can cause a range of symptoms that typically appear suddenly. Common signs include:
- Fever or chills (though not everyone with the flu gets a fever)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Immunization- a good idea for everyone, but advisable for those most at risk for serious flu complications.
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid people you know are sick
- Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face and eyes.
If you do get sick
- Stay home
- Throw used tissues in the trash immediately
- Drink plenty of chicken soup- it replaces the sodium that your body has lost.
- Take acetaminophen to reduce the fever
Influenza (the flu) is a viral respiratory infection that usually causes symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Although most cases can be managed at home, proper first aid can help relieve symptoms, prevent worsening, and reduce the spread to others. Below are step-by-step first aid recommendations for someone with the flu:
Rest and Isolate
- Rest: Encourage plenty of rest so the body can focus on fighting the infection.
- Isolation: To prevent spreading the virus, the person should stay home and avoid close contact with others—especially those at higher risk of complications (such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions).
Hydration and Nutrition
- Hydration: It’s vital to drink plenty of fluids, as fever and sweating can lead to dehydration. Water, clear broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte solutions are excellent choices.
- Nutrition: While appetite might be reduced, light, nutrient-dense meals (like soups, fruits, and vegetables) can help support the immune system.
Symptom Relief
- Fever and Aches: Over-the-counter medications—such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen—can help reduce fever, body aches, and headaches. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label, and avoid aspirin in children and teenagers with the flu due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
- Cough and Sore Throat:
- Humidifiers and Steam: Using a cool-mist humidifier or inhaling steam can soothe an irritated throat and ease congestion.
- Warm Saltwater Gargle: This can help relieve a sore throat.
- Nasal Congestion: Saline nasal drops or sprays can help to clear nasal passages. However, avoid medicated decongestant sprays for more than a few days to prevent rebound congestion.
Monitoring and When to Seek Medical Help
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on fever, breathing, and overall condition. Influenza usually improves over 1 to 2 weeks, but watch for signs of complications like difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent high fever, or worsening of symptoms.
- Seek Medical Attention If:
- The person has an underlying high-risk condition.
- Symptoms become severe (such as difficulty breathing, confusion, or dehydration).
- There are signs of complications, like a secondary bacterial infection (e.g., pneumonia).
- Antiviral Medications: For individuals at higher risk of complications or severe symptoms, contacting a healthcare provider early in the illness can lead to the prescription of antiviral drugs, which are most effective when started within 2 days of symptom onset.
Prevention:
Increase your chance of staying healthy by:
- Washing your hands often, especially during winter months when the flu is most common.
- Keeping your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth. Viruses are most likely to enter your body through these areas.
- Eating a healthy and balanced diet.
- Getting regular exercise.
- Not smoking. Smoking irritates the lining of your nose, sinuses, and lungs, which may make you susceptible to complications of the flu.
- Taking probiotics. One study has shown that taking probiotics helps prevent influenza symptoms and reduce antibiotic use in children
REFERENCES
- Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, What to Do About the Flu Date reviewed: September 2023, https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu-sheet.html
- First Aid Influenza, Health Safety & Environment, Retrieved on 07-06-2025. https://www.hsewebsite.com/first-aid-influenza/
- Flu. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/flu.html
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