Influenza usually peaks during the winter months and every year it is associated with illness ranging from the mild to the severe.The flu virus attacks the lungs and airways. Antibiotics does not cure the flu. However, hot drinks and plenty of rest are recommended. Most people who think they have the flu, in fact have bad colds.
Symptoms include;
- Fever or feeling feverish (not all will experience fever with influenza)
- sore throat
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- nausea and vomiting
- body aches and muscle pains
- chills and sweats
- headaches
- cough
- fatigue and weakness
- nasal congestion
People at risk include:
- people aged 65 and over
- pregnant women
- people with a long term medical condition
The flu virus travels though the air in droplets. The virus is spread by infected persons sneezing, coughing, spitting or speaking. Healthy and young people recover quickly from the flu through supportive care. High risk people can develop pneumonia which can lead to respiratory failure and subsequently death.
Stay at home if you have the flu.
Vaccine
The CDC in the USA recommends an annual flu vaccination for everyone over the age of 6 months. The flu vaccine is available as an injection or a nasal spray. While the vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it is, by far, your best defence from getting the flu. You cannot get the flu from these immunizations as the vaccination contains inactivated, or killed, virus or weakened virus incapable of causing the disease. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/facts-about-flu
The NHS in the UK recommends an annual flu vaccine for adults over the age of 65 years. Adults and children over the age of 6 months with certain medical conditions. Pregnant woman, children in primary school and health care or social care workers.
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