Influenza – better known simply as “the flu” – is a virus that flourishes in winter, with thousands of people experiencing long bouts of ill health as a result. However, despite being a well-known condition, there is a substantial number of misconceptions about the illness, and – particularly – what may help alleviate the symptoms.
In an effort to provide a little clarity this flu season, below, we’ve answered the most common questions people have regarding this all-too-common malady.
What is the flu?
Influenza is a virus that attacks the lungs. There are a huge number of different types of flu, and the virus is also prone to mutating. This means that one person can have flu multiple times in their life.
Isn’t the flu just a bad cold?
No, the two viruses are very distinct, and the flu tends to be more problematic than the common cold. People who have experienced both colds and “true” flu viruses tend to emphasize there is a significant difference between them, especially in the severity of symptoms they experience.
What are the symptoms of flu?
It’s easy to see why bad colds and the flu are often seen as interchangeable, as the symptoms are very similar – for example, both present with symptoms such as a cough, a runny nose, fever, a sore throat, and headaches.
For most people, however, the flu causes extreme fatigue and – sometimes severe – muscle aches and cramps. Most people can continue on with normal life when they have a bad cold, but the flu tends to cause a complete exhaustion that makes usual activities impossible.
How is flu treated?
The treatments for flu primarily focus on treating the symptoms rather than the underlying virus. This is done so that a person feels as comfortable as possible while their immune system tackles the virus itself.
The most common treatments for managing symptoms include over-the-counter pain medications, cough syrups, and sore throat pastilles or sprays. Most people will also be advised to rest and ensure they remain hydrated; in some cases, a mobile IV drip may be used, particularly for those who are struggling to swallow water due to a sore throat. Finally, cold compresses can help to ease any fever that is presented.
What about antibiotics?
Despite common belief, antibiotics are ineffective against the flu. This is because antibiotics treat bacterial infections; the flu is a viral infection, so antibiotics at best do nothing at all, and at worst, can make someone feel even more unwell due to side effects. There are antiviral medications, but these are not commonly prescribed; often, by the time the antiviral begins to work, the individual’s immune system is already well on its way to resolving the issue anyway.
Should I see my doctor if I believe I have flu?
If your symptoms persist for more than one week, it’s usually best to see your doctor. The same applies if you are concerned about the severity of the symptoms at any point.
However, some groups of people are more prone to experiencing complications as a result of the flu. If you are in any of these groups, contact a medical professional as soon as you suspect you have flu. In most cases, the advice will be much the same as it would for those considered to be low risk – rest, keep hydrated, and consider over-the-counter pain medication – but you may find that your doctor wishes to start antiviral treatment earlier, so seeking advice is always your best choice.
Finally, if you are intending to take over-the-counter medications to help ease the symptoms of flu, it’s best to speak with a pharmacist regarding this. This step is particularly necessary if you are currently taking prescribed medications, as there may be contraindications you need to keep in mind.
Does the flu vaccine help to prevent flu?
Yes, particularly if you are in a high-risk group, so it’s worth discussing a vaccine with your doctor. It is worth noting that any flu vaccine only lasts for a single flu season; if you had the vaccine last year, you will need another vaccine this year. Furthermore, repeated vaccines have actually been found to be beneficial, so it’s definitely worth scheduling an annual slot if your doctor agrees the vaccine is suitable for you.
In conclusion
Flu is, unfortunately, a common part of winter for many people, and one that can greatly impact the health and well-being of those who experience it. Hopefully, having read through the above, you’ll be well prepared to manage it as well as possible should you experience the troublesome virus this year.
