Flu is a respiratory disease. It results due to a viral infection. The infection can cause placid to severe sickness. Moreover, it can also lead to death in critical cases. The flu is different from a cold. It usually comes on suddenly. Conversely, the common cold comes on gradually. People with flu feel symptoms such as fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry throat, stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. In addition, there is a mild fever with this infection. If you have these symptoms, talk to your doctor for flu treatment.
What causes influenza?
The virus that causes the disease is spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. However, the most common ways to get the infection are by touching something with flu viruses and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes. Moreover, you may also have it by having close contact with someone with influenza.
How long can the virus live?
The virus can live on surfaces like doorknobs and countertops for up to 48 hours. When the virus is in the air, it can be inhaled and cause infection after breathing contaminated droplets from someone who has influenza. In addition, it may also occur up to 6 feet away.
However, once you experience the signs and symptoms, reach your doctor for effective flu treatment.
How much time does it take to get well from the disease?
Nearly everyone feels recovered within a week. However, symptoms like cough and fatigue may last for several weeks. Sometimes, the infection can also cause pneumonia. It may also worsen an underlying disease such as congestive heart failure or asthma. Nevertheless, the duration of recovery depends on the overall health of the person before he or she contracted the infection.
What are the effective medications for flu treatment?
Influenza viruses cause flu. It is different from common cold viruses. Therefore, antihistamines and decongestants are not effective against flu. The reason being they do not work on viral infections. Medications, which can help with this infection are-
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
- Zanamivir (Relenza)
- Peramivir
They can fight both influenza A and B viruses. However, you should take them within 48 hours of symptoms to be effective. Remember, they do not prevent the spread of infection.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication. It is an element of a set of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. The medication is available as capsules. Moreover, it is also accessible as oral suspension for children. You must use it within 48 hours of symptoms.
Can everyone use Tamiflu?
Doctors do not recommend this drug to people who have had a severe allergic reaction to oseltamivir or any of the other ingredients in it. Moreover, tell your doctor if you have an underlying chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
What are the side effects of oseltamivir?
Side effects of this flu treatment include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, they usually subside once you stop taking the medication. If these side effects become critical, look for medical attention right away. Serious side effects include psychiatric disorders like aggression and hallucinations. However, they are usually dose-related. It means the higher the dose you take, the more likely you are to experience this type of adverse effect.
Zanamivir (Relenza)
Zanamivir is an antiviral medication. It has a link with a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. You can find the medication in the form of inhalation powder.
Can Relenza cause side effects?
Side effects of zanamivir include mild and transient breathing problems. In addition, people who have had a severe allergic reaction to zanamivir or any of its other ingredients should avoid this medication. If you are expecting or breastfeeding, have a discussion with your doctor before using this medicine.
Peramivir
This flu treatment is a newer antiviral medication. It has a link to a group of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. Peramivir is available in the form of an injection. However, patients receive it via intravenous infusion over 15 minutes.
What are the side effects of Peramivir?
Side effects include psychiatric disorders like aggression and hallucinations. Nevertheless, they are usually dose-related. It means the higher the dose you take, the more likely you are to experience this type of adverse effect.
Can everyone use this medication?
Doctors do not recommend Peramivir to people who have had a severe allergic reaction to this drug or any of its ingredients. Moreover, inform your doctor if you have an underlying chronic health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. If your doctor prescribes this medication to children, always store it safely out of reach of young children in its original packaging. Doing so may help avoid any accidental ingestion by little ones.
Can other medications help with flu treatment?
Other medications such as analgesics (painkillers), cough medicines, and fever reducers may help relieve symptoms. However, they do not provide specific treatment for flu or viral infections in general.
What about antibiotics?
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Moreover, do not use it for influenza. They may be necessary to treat complications such as bacterial pneumonia, which may arise because of the flu.
Always follow dosage instructions carefully. Moreover, never stop taking medications unless your doctor tells you to do so. If your symptoms worsen or last longer than recommended, consult a doctor for re-evaluation.
How can you prevent the flu?
The flu can make you feel very ill. Nevertheless, there are medicines and other things, which can help prevent serious flu complications and the spread of the disease. Take your flu treatment on time. Moreover, here is a list of what you can do to protect yourself from the flu-
Vaccination
Get vaccinated each year. Vaccination is the most crucial step you can take to protect yourself against the flu.
Implement good practices
- Clean your hands regularly with soap and water, particularly after you cough or sneeze.
- If you do not find soap and water, utilize an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Use a tissue to cough or sneeze. Do not make your hands dirty.
- Shun touching your face with dirty hands.
Stay home when you are sick
Stay at your home for at least a day after you have recovered except to get medical care or for other necessities. Furthermore, cover up your mouth and nose with a hankie when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash immediately. Above all, take your flu treatment timely and as directed by your doctor.
Clean up
Wash and sanitize touched surfaces and items at home regularly, at work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Staying fit and healthy is one of the most important ways to stay well throughout the winter.
Take a balanced diet
Consume a hale and hearty diet loaded with fruit and vegetables. Doing so may help you stay fit. Moreover, do regular exercises.
Drink abundance of water
Drinking plenty of water every day is also vital. However, avoid having too much coffee or alcohol throughout the winter. Make sure that you do not drink more than two units a day of these things if you do drink them.
Keep yourself warm
Another vital thing to remember is to keep yourself warm. Wear protective gloves when you are out in the cold or draught. Doing so may help stop your hands from becoming too cold. Moreover, it can also support your flu treatment
