Flu is a respiratory sickness. It is caused by a virus. The disease can cause placid to critical illness. Moreover, it can also lead to death in the worst cases. Influenza is different from cold. It usually comes on suddenly. On the other hand, colds come on gradually. People with sickness feel certain symptoms. They include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry throat, stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. However, there is a mild fever with this condition. If you have these symptoms, consult with your doctor for effective remedies for flu symptoms.
What causes this disease?
This virus is spread from person to person. It takes place when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Moreover, the most common ways to get the disease are-
- Touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or your eyes
- Having close contact with someone who has the infection
- Touching surfaces with viruses on them and then touching your mouth or nose
The virus can live on surfaces like doorknobs and countertops. The time duration can vary up to 48 hours. When the virus is in the air, it can be inhaled. Furthermore, it causes infection after breathing contaminated droplets from someone with this illness. It may occur up to 6 feet away.
How does the infection transmit?
The virus spreads when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk, and others near them breathe in the droplets. Moreover, the infection can also contract by touching surfaces or objects that have viruses on them and then touching one’s mouth, eyes or nose.
How much time does it take to get well from influenza?
Most persons feel better within five to seven days. However, cough and fatigue may last for several weeks. Sometimes, the illness can lead to pneumonia. Moreover, the disease may also worsen due to an underlying disease. They may include congestive heart failure or asthma.
What are the effective medications for flu?
Influenza viruses cause this disease. They are different from common cold viruses. Therefore, antihistamines and decongestants are not appropriate for solutions for flu symptoms.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir can help with your healing.
These medications can work against both influenza A and B viruses. Doctors prescribe taking them within 48 hours of symptoms to be effective. However, they do not prevent the spread of infection.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication. It is a part of a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. It is available as capsules and oral suspension. Moreover, doctors prescribe using Tamiflu within 48 hours of symptoms to be effective.
Can everyone use Oseltamivir?
People with a severe allergic reaction to oseltamivir should avoid this medicine. Moreover, if you sensitive to other ingredients, do not use this medicine. Tell your doctor if are you have an underlying health condition. They may include asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Can Tamiflu cause side effects?
Side effects of this drug include-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
These after-effects usually subside once you stop taking this remedy for flu symptoms. However, if they worsen, seek medical attention immediately. More severe side effects can also occur. They include psychiatric disorders like aggression and hallucinations. However, they are usually dose-related.
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Zanamivir is an antiviral drug. It also belongs to a medicine group called neuraminidase inhibitors. Moreover, you can find zanamivir in the form of inhalation powder. You can consult with your doctor for proper dosage.
Can zanamivir cause side effects?
Its side effects include mild and transient breathing problems. In addition, people with a severe allergic reaction to zanamivir or its other ingredients should not use this medication.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this flu treatment.
Peramivir
Peramivir is a newer antiviral medication. It is a part of a medicine group called neuraminidase inhibitors. It is available as an injection. Moreover, doctors give it to patients via intravenous infusion.
Who should not use Peramivir?
Doctors do not recommend Peramivir to people with a severe allergic reaction to this drug. In addition, tell your doctor if you have an underlying health condition. They may include asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Can this antiviral medicine cause side effects?
Some side effects of using this remedy for flu symptoms include-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
These side effects usually go away as soon as you stop taking Peramivir. However, if they persist or worsen, seek medical attention immediately.
What can you do to prevent this sickness?
This infection can make you feel very sick. Nevertheless, you can do certain things. They can help prevent complications and the spread of the disease. However, here is a list of what you can do to protect yourself from the infection-
Get vaccinated each year
Vaccination is the most significant step you can take to protect yourself against influenza.
Practice good health habits
- Clean your hands recurrently with soap and water. It becomes essential after you cough or sneeze.
- Soap and water may not be accessible at times. Consider an alcohol-based hand rub in such cases.
- Cough or sneeze into a hankie or your elbow. Keep your hands away.
- Do not touch your face with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you are sick
Remain at your home for some days after your use treatment for flu symptoms. It will help prevent further infection.
Maintain hygiene
Disinfect touched surfaces and objects. They may be at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill.
