Have a look at the common symptoms of influenza and how to prevent it?

Humaira

2 years ago

Humaira is a lifestyle blogger with her main focus on children’s health. She blogs on different ways to provide nutrition to kids. She blogs at https://creativelifestar.com/

What are the common symptoms of influenza and how to prevent it?

Influenza or flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. People at high risk of developing flu complications include young children under the age of 2, adults above the age of 65, pregnant women, and people who have ailments, such as asthma, heart trouble, kidney illness, liver ailment, and diabetes.¹

While antiviral remedies are available, influenza vaccines are the pillar of attempts to reduce the substantial health burden from seasonal influenza.²

Depending on when influenza peaks in the location you’re staying at, the time for vaccine administration changes. Speak to your local physician about the best time to take the vaccine.

Common symptoms of influenza

At the commencement, the flu may appear like a common cold with a watery nose, sneezing, and sore throat. But cold generally develops slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a bother, you usually feel much worse with the flu.⁴

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Common signs and symptoms of influenza include:

Fever¹

Dry cough¹

Headache¹

Muscle and joint pain¹

Feeling unhealthy¹

Sore throat¹

Watery nose¹

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than aged.¹

Let’s check the protective measures for influenza

The most effective way to prevent influenza is through vaccination. The vaccine can be given to children as young as 6 months and 65-year-old adults as well. While the vaccine does not completely prevent the illness among the elderly, it helps reduce complications and deaths.⁶

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Along with vaccination, it’s also necessary to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:

Basic hygiene measures are helpful⁴

Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze⁴

Wash your hands again and again with a cleanser and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. However, use alcohol-grounded hand sanitizer if you aren’t near water.⁴

Stay as far away as you can from people who are sick.⁴

Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Pathogens frequently spread this way.⁴

People who get the flu can treat themselves at home and mostly do not need to see a doctor. However, it’s always better to seek medical help once the flu symptoms appear before letting them turn dangerous. Remember, getting timely help goes a long way in reducing the length of your illness and protecting yourself from serious problems.⁴

How effective is the influenza vaccine?

Recently, I learned a few important facts about influenza vaccination and its effectiveness in a live session by Abbott India where Dr. Sadanand S. Shetye and Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar shared:

Vaccination is the perfect tool for protecting against influenza and reducing the danger of contracting influenza again
On average, the vaccine prevents around 60% of infections in the healthy grown-ups age group of 18-64 years⁷
Influenza vaccines turn effective about 14 days after vaccination

My opinion

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks one’s respiratory system – nose, throat, and lungs.¹ India is featured amongst countries with the topmost Influenza frequency rates.⁵ Annual influenza vaccine is your perfect defense against the flu. With kids returning to schools and colleges and the commencement of the thunderstorm season, we must educate ourselves on how influenza is different from the common cold and fever and #FightAgainstFlu together.

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