The flu, often known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory sickness that may vary from delicate to extreme. Signs of the flu usually come on all of a sudden and might embrace fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, and physique aches. In some circumstances, the flu may result in extra severe problems, similar to pneumonia, bronchitis, and even dying.
The flu is attributable to the influenza virus, which is unfold by means of contact with respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus may also be unfold by touching one thing that has been contaminated with the virus after which touching your mouth, nostril, or eyes. The flu is commonest in the course of the fall and winter months, however it could actually happen at any time of the 12 months.
In the event you suppose you will have the flu, it is vital to see a health care provider instantly. Early therapy may help to scale back the severity of your signs and forestall problems.
what are the signs of the flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness that may vary from delicate to extreme. Signs usually come on all of a sudden and might embrace:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nostril
- Physique and muscle fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Nausea
- Sneezing
In some circumstances, the flu may result in extra severe problems, similar to pneumonia, meningitis, or encephalitis.
Fever
Fever is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s outlined as a physique temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or increased.
- Causes of fever: Fever is attributable to the physique’s immune response to the flu virus. When the virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds referred to as pyrogens. Pyrogens trigger the physique’s temperature to rise, which helps to battle the an infection.
- Signs of fever: Fever may cause a wide range of signs, together with sweating, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some circumstances, fever may result in dehydration, seizures, and hallucinations.
- Remedy of fever: There isn’t a particular remedy for fever. Remedy focuses on relieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter drugs, similar to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back fever. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to forestall dehydration.
- When to see a health care provider: Most often, fever may be managed at residence. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the fever is excessive (over 103°F or 39.4°C), if it lasts for greater than three days, or whether it is accompanied by different extreme signs, similar to shortness of breath, chest ache, or confusion.
Fever is a typical symptom of the flu, however it’s normally not severe. Nevertheless, it is very important monitor fever intently and to hunt medical consideration whether it is excessive or whether it is accompanied by different extreme signs.
Cough
Cough is one other widespread symptom of the flu. It’s a reflex that helps to guard the lungs and airways from irritants, similar to mucus, mud, and smoke.
- Causes of cough: Cough is attributable to irritation of the airways. When the flu virus invades the respiratory tract, it could actually trigger irritation and swelling of the airways. This irritation can set off a cough reflex.
- Kinds of cough: There are two foremost forms of cough: dry cough and moist cough. A dry cough is a cough that doesn’t produce any mucus. A moist cough is a cough that produces mucus or phlegm.
- Signs of cough: Cough may cause a wide range of signs, together with sore throat, hoarseness, chest ache, and issue respiratory. In some circumstances, cough may result in vomiting or incontinence.
- Remedy of cough: There isn’t a particular remedy for cough. Remedy focuses on relieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter cough suppressants can be utilized to scale back coughing. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to assist soothe the throat and loosen mucus.
Cough is a typical symptom of the flu, however it’s normally not severe. Nevertheless, it may be a nuisance and might intervene with sleep and each day actions. If cough is extreme or doesn’t enhance after just a few weeks, it is very important see a health care provider.
Sore throat
Sore throat is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation of the throat and tonsils. The irritation may be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
Signs of sore throat embrace ache, scratchiness, or irritation within the throat. Swallowing may be painful and troublesome. Sore throat may trigger hoarseness, coughing, and a sense of fullness or tightness within the throat.
Sore throat may be handled with over-the-counter ache relievers, similar to acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Gargling with salt water may assist to alleviate ache and irritation. It is very important drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to keep away from smoking and alcohol, which might irritate the throat.
Most often, sore throat is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside just a few days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the sore throat is extreme, if it lasts for greater than every week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Sore throat is a typical and ugly symptom of the flu, however it could actually normally be managed with easy residence cures. If the sore throat is extreme or doesn’t enhance after just a few days, it is very important see a health care provider.
Runny nostril
Runny nostril is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation and swelling of the nasal passages. The irritation may be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
- Causes of runny nostril: Runny nostril is attributable to the physique’s try to flush out the flu virus and different irritants from the nasal passages. When the flu virus invades the nostril, it could actually trigger the nasal passages to change into infected and swollen. This irritation can result in elevated mucus manufacturing, which might trigger a runny nostril.
- Signs of runny nostril: Runny nostril may cause a wide range of signs, together with sneezing, congestion, and a sore throat. In some circumstances, runny nostril may result in complications, fatigue, and issue sleeping.
- Remedy of runny nostril: There isn’t a particular remedy for runny nostril. Remedy focuses on relieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines can be utilized to scale back nasal congestion and runny nostril. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to assist skinny mucus and hold the nasal passages moist.
- When to see a health care provider: Most often, runny nostril is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside just a few days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the runny nostril is extreme, if it lasts for greater than every week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Runny nostril is a typical and ugly symptom of the flu, however it could actually normally be managed with easy residence cures. If the runny nostril is extreme or doesn’t enhance after just a few days, it is very important see a health care provider.
Physique and muscle fatigue
Physique and muscle fatigue are widespread signs of the flu. Fatigue is a sense of utmost tiredness and lack of vitality. Muscle fatigue is a sense of weak point and ache within the muscle mass.
- Causes of physique and muscle fatigue: Physique and muscle fatigue are attributable to the physique’s response to the flu virus. When the flu virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds referred to as cytokines. Cytokines assist to battle the an infection, however they’ll additionally trigger fatigue and muscle aches.
- Signs of physique and muscle fatigue: Physique and muscle fatigue may cause a wide range of signs, together with weak point, tiredness, issue concentrating, and issue sleeping. In some circumstances, fatigue and muscle aches may result in complications, nausea, and vomiting.
- Remedy of physique and muscle fatigue: There isn’t a particular remedy for physique and muscle fatigue. Remedy focuses on relieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter ache relievers, similar to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back muscle aches. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
- When to see a health care provider: Most often, physique and muscle fatigue will not be severe and can resolve on their very own inside just a few days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the fatigue is extreme, if it lasts for greater than every week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Physique and muscle fatigue are widespread and ugly signs of the flu, however they’ll normally be managed with easy residence cures. If the fatigue is extreme or doesn’t enhance after just a few days, it is very important see a health care provider.
Headache
Headache is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation of the sinuses and nasal passages. The irritation may be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
- Causes of headache: Complications are attributable to the physique’s response to the flu virus. When the flu virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds referred to as histamines. Histamines assist to battle the an infection, however they’ll additionally trigger irritation and swelling of the sinuses and nasal passages. This irritation can result in complications.
- Signs of headache: Complications may cause a wide range of signs, together with ache, stress, or tightness within the head. In some circumstances, complications may result in nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to mild and sound.
- Remedy of headache: There isn’t a particular remedy for complications. Remedy focuses onsilenrelieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter ache relievers, similar to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back complications. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
- When to see a health care provider: Most often, complications will not be severe and can resolve on their very own inside just a few days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the headache is extreme, if it lasts for greater than every week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, stiff neck, or confusion.
Complications are a typical and ugly symptom of the flu, however they’ll normally be managed with easy residence cures. If the headache is extreme or doesn’t enhance after just a few days, it is very important see a health care provider.
Chills
Chills are a typical symptom of the flu. They’re attributable to the physique’s try to lift its temperature to battle the an infection. When the flu virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds referred to as pyrogens. Pyrogens trigger the physique’s temperature to rise, which helps to kill the virus. Nevertheless, this course of may trigger chills.
Chills may be delicate or extreme. In some circumstances, chills may be so extreme that they trigger the physique to shake. Chills may also be accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, headache, and muscle aches.
There isn’t a particular remedy for chills. Remedy focuses on relieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter ache relievers, similar to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back fever and chills. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
Most often, chills will not be severe and can resolve on their very own inside just a few days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the chills are extreme, in the event that they final for greater than every week, or if they’re accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Chills are a typical and ugly symptom of the flu, however they’ll normally be managed with easy residence cures. If the chills are extreme or don’t enhance after just a few days, it is very important see a health care provider.
Nausea
Nausea is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation of the abdomen and intestines. The irritation may be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
Nausea may cause a wide range of signs, together with feeling sick to your abdomen, vomiting, and lack of urge for food. In some circumstances, nausea may result in dehydration, fatigue, and issue sleeping.
There isn’t a particular remedy for nausea. Remedy focuses on relieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter anti-nausea drugs can be utilized to scale back nausea and vomiting. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to eat small, frequent meals.
Most often, nausea is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside just a few days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the nausea is extreme, if it lasts for greater than every week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Nausea is a typical and ugly symptom of the flu, however it could actually normally be managed with easy residence cures. If the nausea is extreme or doesn’t enhance after just a few days, it is very important see a health care provider.
Sneezing
Sneezing is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s a reflex that helps to guard the physique from irritants, similar to mud, pollen, and smoke. When the flu virus invades the nostril, it could actually trigger irritation and irritation of the nasal passages. This irritation can set off a sneeze reflex.
- Causes of sneezing: Sneezing is attributable to irritation of the nasal passages. When the flu virus invades the nostril, it could actually trigger irritation and swelling of the nasal passages. This irritation can result in elevated mucus manufacturing, which might irritate the nasal passages and set off a sneeze reflex.
- Signs of sneezing: Sneezing may cause a wide range of signs, together with a runny nostril, nasal congestion, and sore throat. In some circumstances, sneezing may result in complications, fatigue, and issue sleeping.
- Remedy of sneezing: There isn’t a particular remedy for sneezing. Remedy focuses on relieving signs and stopping problems. Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can be utilized to scale back sneezing, runny nostril, and nasal congestion. Additionally it is vital to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
- When to see a health care provider: Most often, sneezing is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside just a few days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a health care provider if the sneezing is extreme, if it lasts for greater than every week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, similar to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Sneezing is a typical and ugly symptom of the flu, however it could actually normally be managed with easy residence cures. If the sneezing is extreme or doesn’t enhance after just a few days, it is very important see a health care provider.
FAQ
Obtained questions in regards to the flu? Listed below are some continuously requested questions and solutions:
Query 1: What’s the flu?
Reply: The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness attributable to the influenza virus. It may vary from delicate to extreme and might even be deadly in some circumstances.
Query 2: What are the signs of the flu?
Reply: Frequent signs of the flu embrace fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, chills, nausea, and sneezing.
Query 3: How is the flu unfold?
Reply: The flu is unfold by means of contact with respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You too can get the flu by touching one thing that has been contaminated with the virus after which touching your mouth, nostril, or eyes.
Query 4: Who’s most in danger for getting the flu?
Reply: Anybody can get the flu, however some persons are at increased threat for creating severe problems, together with younger youngsters, older adults, pregnant ladies, and other people with power well being circumstances.
Query 5: How can I stop the flu?
Reply: The easiest way to forestall the flu is to get a flu vaccine yearly. Different preventive measures embrace washing your fingers continuously, avoiding touching your face, and staying residence from work or college if you’re sick.
Query 6: What ought to I do if I get the flu?
Reply: In the event you suppose you will have the flu, it is very important see a health care provider instantly. Early therapy may help to scale back the severity of your signs and forestall problems. Relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter drugs may assist to alleviate signs.
Query 7: How lengthy does the flu final?
Reply: The flu usually lasts for 1-2 weeks, however some folks might expertise signs for longer.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
When you have every other questions in regards to the flu, please speak to your physician or go to the CDC web site.
Now that you already know extra in regards to the flu, listed below are some suggestions that can assist you keep wholesome this season:
Ideas
Listed below are just a few sensible suggestions that can assist you keep wholesome throughout flu season:
Tip 1: Get a flu vaccine yearly.
The flu vaccine is one of the best ways to forestall the flu. It’s protected and efficient, and it could actually assist to guard you from severe problems, similar to pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.
Tip 2: Wash your fingers continuously.
Washing your fingers continuously with cleaning soap and water is among the finest methods to forestall the unfold of germs. Wash your fingers earlier than consuming, after utilizing the toilet, and after coughing or sneezing.
Tip 3: Keep away from touching your face.
Touching your face can switch germs out of your fingers to your mouth, nostril, or eyes, which might make you sick. Attempt to keep away from touching your face, particularly if you’re in a public place.
Tip 4: Keep residence from work or college if you’re sick.
In case you are sick, it is very important keep residence from work or college to forestall spreading your sickness to others. That is particularly vital you probably have a fever, cough, or sore throat.
Tip 5: Get loads of relaxation and fluids.
In the event you do get the flu, it is very important get loads of relaxation and fluids. Relaxation will assist your physique to battle the an infection, and fluids will assist to forestall dehydration.
Closing Paragraph for Ideas:
By following these easy suggestions, you may assist to scale back your threat of getting the flu and different respiratory sicknesses.
Keep in mind, the flu is a severe sickness, however it may be prevented. By taking the mandatory precautions, you may assist to guard your self and your family members from the flu.
Conclusion
The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness that may vary from delicate to extreme. Signs of the flu embrace fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, chills, nausea, and sneezing. The flu is unfold by means of contact with respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Anybody can get the flu, however some persons are at increased threat for creating severe problems, together with younger youngsters, older adults, pregnant ladies, and other people with power well being circumstances.
The easiest way to forestall the flu is to get a flu vaccine yearly. Different preventive measures embrace washing your fingers continuously, avoiding touching your face, and staying residence from work or college if you’re sick.
In the event you do get the flu, it is very important see a health care provider instantly. Early therapy may help to scale back the severity of your signs and forestall problems. Relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter drugs may assist to alleviate signs.
The flu is a severe sickness, however it may be prevented. By taking the mandatory precautions, you may assist to guard your self and your family members from the flu.
Closing Message:
Keep in mind, the flu is a contagious sickness, so it is very important take steps to guard your self and others. Get a flu vaccine yearly, wash your fingers continuously, keep away from touching your face, and keep residence from work or college if you’re sick. By following these easy steps, you may assist to scale back your threat of getting the flu and spreading it to others.
