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To help minimize the spread of the seasonal viral infection, commonly referred to as flu, understanding its causes is equally as important as being aware of its symptoms. The flu is a contagious infection that can lead to life-threatening complications.
As a result of changing seasons, the flu presents a greater risk across the globe. The flu can greatly impact people, causing anywhere from mild to severe illnesses that can affect millions of people.
As per the definition given by experts, 'seasonal influenza refers to a severe respiratory infection that is brought about by the annual circulation of influenza viruses globally. Like other respiratory disorders, the flu also impacts the throat and lungs.’ Dr. Palleti Siva Karthik Reddy, an internal medicine specialist, also discusses how flu symptoms could easily make one mistake it for a cold: 'Respiratory droplets covering an infected person's mouth when they cough or sneeze can lead to the spread of the infection.’
Fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, headache and even chills can present themselves as flu symptoms, all of which are severe and sudden compared to a cold, Koshys hospital consultant physician further explains.
3. Seasonal flu can stem as a result of subtype Influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2. H3N2 is also more commonly known for its association with global flu epidemics.
4. Even though Class B, or Influenza B, is known for outbreaks of seasonal flus, it is categorized as the second least aggressive class after subtype A.
3. Influenza C: Lest severe than the common flu however not damaging enough to trigger a widespread epidemic.
4. Influenza D: Infections are restricted to cattle and not humans.
Influenza Symptoms for The Seasons
A person will start to notice symptoms that could extend between 14 days and 4 days depending on how harshly they have been affected.
“The flu ranges from a host of mild to moderate conditions including high or low temperatures, tiredness, muscle work, discomfort in the throat region, head, feeling faint more than normal, soft voice and blowing nose,” offers Dr. Tushar Tayal, a lecturer in the internal medicine department at CK Birla Hospital Gurugram.
“Chest discomfort or breathing difficulties along with a stubborn cough or mucus that is bloody or green, periodic cough, and most importantly, blue-tinted face or lips and increment of temperature past 103°F are a few of the extreme symptoms,” Dr. Tushar adds.
Children, old citizens and and expecting females along with people who have breathing problems or diabetes need to get treated right away for heightened symptoms and signs for better chances of modified health conditions.
Who is responsible for Seasonal Diseases?
“Due to ever changing viruses, seasonal viruses are well-known with flu. They are heavily relied upon due to their constant mutations,” says Dr. Reddy.
The different modes of transmission for this are: one, airborne via respiratory droplets from infected persons; two, direct contact like touching infected surfaces and later rubbing one’s mouth, nose, or eyes; and third, certain locations like schools, offices, public transport, and hospitals that elevate the chances of contracting the virus.
Management and prophylaxis measures
The majority of flu cases can clear up on their own in 7 to 10 days but undergoing treatment can help mitigate complications and speed the recovery process.
“For specific high-risk patients, antiviral treatments like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Zanamivir (Relenza), and Baloxavir (Xofluza) can alleviate symptom severity and duration for 1-2 days and avert severe flu issues,” states Dr. Tayal. He adds, “Some supportive treatment techniques, like rest and fluid intake, basic medication, cough medicine and decongestants, steam inhalation, and humidification, are also beneficial.”
As for optimal prevention of flu, the receiving vaccinations once a year and proper cleanliness measures are the best and most effective methods. “The flu vaccine is adjusted to fit current strains each year, making it the best form of preventing the flu,” advises Dr. Reddy. When it comes to hygiene, “hands must be washed with soap for over 20 seconds regularly, use sanitisers, and limit face touching,” adds Dr. Reddy.
Strengthening the immune system is equally crucial. 'A good diet with plenty of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc coupled with exercise, sleep from 7 to 9 hours a night, and stress control is essential to ward off illness,' says Dr. Tayal.
Complications may happen at any time of the flu; however, early treatment with antivirals and supporting methods is the best way to speedy recovery.
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