How To Avoid The Flu Virus
Every year, with the return of cool weather, we face a resurgence of flu cases. Here is some useful information to treat yourself or avoid catching it. The Flu (or influenza) is a virus that is constantly mutating (it evolves from year to year) and primarily attacks the respiratory system. However, the latter has consequences on the entire body, since its symptoms normally persist between 3 and 7 days and can be very disabling.
In regions with a temperate climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, it is in winter that influenza strikes in the form of large epidemics, even pandemics. In tropical regions, there is no flu season. It therefore has absolutely nothing to do with the cold, contrary to a widespread myth.
What Are The Types Of Flu?
The flu virus is divided into three subcategories, which are distinguished from each other by their symptoms, the size of the epidemics they cause and their severity. These are Type A, Type B and Type C viruses.
Type A viruses are by far the most dangerous. Every time there have been deadly flu epidemics or pandemics, it has been a Type A virus that has been the cause. The symptoms are particularly bothersome for those who catch it, and complications are more common than with other, less serious types of flu.
Type B viruses are much less deadly, although they can cause local epidemics. Less subject to mutation than Type A viruses, they are therefore easier to prevent.
The mildest are Type C viruses. Their symptoms are the least bothersome, they are even often confused with a bad cold.
Who Is At Higher Risk Of Catching The Flu Virus?
Each year, the flu can affect up to one in four people. Although anyone can get it, some people are more likely to get influenza.
1- Very young children are at higher risk because their immune systems are still weak. If they attend daycare (which means they are in contact with other children), their risk of contracting the flu increases.
2- People who are in contact with young children, such as their parents or caregivers, are also at higher risk.
3- Pregnant women are less resistant to the virus, especially in the second half of their pregnancy.
4- Seniors are another risk group, especially if they live in a residence, because outbreaks are common in these centers. Seniors are also those for whom influenza is most likely to be fatal.
5- Healthcare workers are particularly exposed to contagion, given their frequent and prolonged contact with individuals who may be carriers of the virus.
More Risks
6- Those who suffer from a chronic respiratory disease or cardiovascular disorder are at risk. This is also the case for diabetics, chronic anemics and patients with liver or kidney disease.
7-People whose lifestyle tends to weaken their immune system are more likely to suffer from influenza. A lack of sleep or poor diet can therefore predispose them to it.
8- Smokers are at greater risk.
9- People who are anxious or suffer from significant stress may be at greater risk.
10- Certain medications or treatments weaken immunity and therefore make people more vulnerable to viruses, including the flu. This is particularly the case for immunosuppressive medications, chemotherapy treatments and antibiotics.
If influenza mainly affects northern populations during the cold season, it is probably because of the dryness of the air which weakens the mucous membranes and also because of the confinement inside the houses, which promotes contagion.
What Are The Symptoms Of The Flu?
Generally, the main symptoms characteristic of the flu last between 3 days and a week. In some people, they will last only one day while others will not see them disappear for 10 days or even two weeks.
The first symptoms of the flu to appear are usually the following:
1- Chills and tremors
2- Fatigue and drowsiness
3- Sudden fever (between 39 °C and 40 °C)
4- Headache
5- Muscle aches
6- Sore throat and sneezing
7- Feeling of general discomfort
Other Symptoms of the Flu:
1- After the onset of the typical symptoms of the flu, the patient will have a dry cough and runny nose (a bit like a cold).
2- The patient may complain of chest pain.
3- In some people, especially young children, the flu is accompanied by symptoms of gastroenteritis. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the flu to weaken appetite without any symptoms affecting the digestive system.
4- Some people with the flu suffer from night sweats.
5- Joint and eye pain have sometimes been reported by patients.
What Are The Risks Of Complications From The Flu?
For the vast majority of people, the flu does not cause any major complications.
However, in some cases, another infection or problem may be added to the flu:
1- In some sick people, pneumonia is added to the flu virus.
2- Bronchitis, sinusitis or ear infection can also be complications associated with influenza.
3- For people with heart or respiratory problems, the flu can stimulate the disorder and worsen the consequences.
4- For some people at risk, influenza or its after-effects can cause death. The people most at risk of dying from complications related to the flu are the elderly, but also people whose immune system is weakened by an illness (such as HIV). People suffering from chronic lung disease (asthma, emphysema, etc.) are also more likely to die from the flu.
5- Even though healthy people are less at risk of suffering from complications related to influenza, they should nevertheless remain vigilant, as they are not completely immune to such complications.
According to data many people die from influenza. This is a tiny minority of people who contract the virus but these figures remind us that the flu is not a virus to be taken lightly. In fact, it is one of the top 10 causes of death in the world.
The Flu: When Should You See A Doctor?
You should see a doctor if:
1- You have a fever (over 38.5ËšC) for more than five days
2- You have chest pain or pain when breathing
3- You are short of breath even without exerting yourself
4- The symptoms characteristic of the flu that you are suffering from do not improve or worsen after 7 days
5- In some cases, immediate consultation may be required, for example when you have flu symptoms and one of the following symptoms:
6- Difficulty breathing that persists or increases
7- Intense chest pain
8- Intense head pain that persists or increases
9- Drowsiness, great weakness or confusion
10- Convulsions
11- Blue lips
12- No urination for 12 hours and intense thirst
If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare professional or any health clinic.
How Is The Flu Transmitted From One Person To Another?
The flu is a highly contagious virus. Epidemics, even pandemics (epidemics that spread throughout the world), linked to this virus are not uncommon.
Here is some important information to remember about the transmission and contagion period of influenza:
1- The flu is transmitted by saliva, either by direct contact or by droplets of saliva that are inevitably projected into the air when the sick person sneezes. Generally speaking, the hands and face of the sick person will be contaminated quickly.
2- Individuals with the flu are contagious about 24 hours before the first symptoms appear.
3- People with influenza remain contagious for about a week on average. Children can still be contagious for more than ten days after the onset of symptoms.
4- The influenza virus can survive up to two days in the open air, on objects, for example. To avoid contagion, you must therefore be very careful and avoid handling the infected person’s objects.
How To Treat The Flu?
There is no treatment to cure the flu itself but there are different ways to alleviate its symptoms:
1- In cases where the fever causes significant discomfort, medications with antipyretic properties, such as acetaminophen, can be used to bring it down. However, never give aspirin to children with influenza as it can cause potentially fatal Reye’s syndrome.
2- Very fragile individuals are sometimes given antivirals to reduce symptoms and the risk of complications. In general, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids: water, juice, broth, etc.
3- Rest is essential.
4- A humidifier can help prevent dehydration.
What Actions Can You Take To Prevent From Flu?
During influenza season, especially if there is an epidemic, it is recommended to focus on prevention to avoid becoming a victim of the flu:
1- Hygiene is an important component of basic prevention. Wash your hands regularly, especially if you frequent public places.
2- Avoid enclosed spaces that gather a lot of people (metro, movie theaters, etc.).
3- Stay away from people you know are infected until their symptoms have completely disappeared.
4- Strengthen your immune system by adopting a healthy lifestyle: a good diet, moderate alcohol consumption, regular and sufficient hours of sleep, physical activity and low stress levels will help protect you.
5- Ginseng consumption appears to have positive effects on strengthening the immune system.
6- Doctors recommend that people at risk receive the flu vaccine before influenza season (this is the best time for it to be effective). It is also administered free of charge to babies aged 6 to 23 months, people aged 60 and over, healthcare workers and those suffering from certain health conditions that increase the risk of complications. Since the flu virus evolves over time, the vaccine must also be redesigned each year, which partly explains the variable effectiveness rates (70 – 90%). People who have received the vaccine but still get influenza will usually have fewer symptoms and complications than if they had not received it.
How To Differentiate The Flu From COVID-19?
Both the flu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses. However, they are not part of the same family of viruses; COVID-19 is part of the coronaviruses. However, their symptoms can be very similar. It is, therefore, difficult to differentiate the flu from COVID-19 based solely on the impact of contamination. It is, therefore, essential to get tested in order to have a clear diagnosis.
Some infamous flu pandemics…
1- The Spanish flu pandemic caused a real massacre in 1918 and 1919 on all continents, killing between 30 million and 100 million people depending on the source. Contrary to what one might believe, the flu did not originate in Spain, although this country was largely affected by the pandemic. This name is rather explained by political reasons. It was a type A virus and strain H1N1.
2- The Asian flu, a type A virus of the H2N2 strain, caused 2 million deaths in 1957 and 1958.
3- In 1967, the Hong Kong flu caused more than 1 million deaths.
4- At the beginning of the 21st century, specialists predicted a potentially very deadly avian influenza pandemic (H5N1). However, this pandemic did not reach the proportions predicted.
5- In 2009, a real panic took hold of the entire world when it was announced that a possible pandemic of influenza A (H1N1), from the same strain as the terrible Spanish flu, was possible. According to predictions, this flu, which came from a virus that had undergone significant mutations, would prove to be particularly deadly. Communication, prevention and mass vaccination campaigns have cost the governments of several countries millions of dollars. Much ado about nothing? Opinions are still divided, but the figures could lead one to believe so. Of course, the 2009 version of the A (H1N1) influenza claimed the lives of nearly 20,000 people according to official statistics.
That’s nothing, but if we consider that each year, between 250,000 and 500,000 people die from seasonal influenza, the “deadly” nature of the famous “swine flu” suddenly seems much more relative. What if the fear campaign had ultimately been more “viral” than the disease itself?
Note
The content of this article is intended solely for informational purposes, enabling you to ask informed questions to your healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Our editorial team, comprising experts in the field, strives to deliver high-quality information. However, Wise Lancer cannot be held liable for any incomplete or outdated information in this article. We strongly recommend consulting a physician if you suspect you have a health issue.
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