Muscle aches, fever (sometimes), chills, headache or sore throat and, of course, the unbearable sneezing and annoying cough? You most likely have the flu. Despite the alarming messages in the public space, the condition can be easily counteracted, you just need to know how.
Flu is not a simple cold. It easily puts you in bed, because it is an infectious disease transmitted by a series of viruses, more active in the cold season. Extremely contagious, this respiratory condition mainly affects the nose, throat and lungs. The main influenza viruses responsible for its occurrence are, generically speaking, viruses A, B and C and all their derivatives. Viruses A and B are the most contagious and have a high potential for complications.
Causes of the flu
As a highly contagious respiratory disease, the flu is contracted through contact with respiratory droplets – coughing, sneezing, talking, by touching contaminated common surfaces – hands, cups and other objects, the bar in means of transport and, the most common situation specific to the season and cold, when we spend a lot of time in closed common transport spaces, even at home.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are persistent sore throat, cough, sneezing and stuffy nose, fatigue, persistent temperature, muscle aches and headaches, loss of appetite. In some people – especially children – diarrhea and vomiting are also added to these.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by the doctor, based on the symptoms and a rapid test done on nasal secretions. If you suspect that you are suffering from one of the flu symptoms above, and it worries you, don't forget that you can consult online one of the Digital Clinics doctors.
When to see a doctor?
Not in all cases it is necessary to see a doctor urgently. Adults should see a doctor immediately if they experience severe chest pain, high fever, over 40°C, persistent cough or dizziness. Children should seek medical attention quickly if they have breathing problems, irritability, bluish skin, fever accompanied by a rash.
Treatment
As a rule, antipyretics, administered judiciously, are the drugs that lower our temperature and get rid of our chills. If the flu is not accompanied by severe symptoms that would require the administration of antivirals prescribed only by a doctor, adjuvant treatments are usually sufficient. These include:
• proper hydration, usually with herbal teas – linden, elderberry, ginger, chamomile, echinacea, sweetened with honey and seasoned with lemon juice;
• Gargle with salt water made in the morning and evening for sore throats;
• Concentrated lemonade sweetened with lots of honey;
• consumption of fruits and vegetables that contain a high level of vitamin C – kiwi, citrus fruits, red peppers, kale, spinach, broccoli, etc., foods rich in zinc – seeds, nuts
• administration of propolis or echinacea extracts (but in moderation)
• inhalations with eucalyptus and mint essential oil (a few drops put in hot water and inhaling the steam under a clean towel)
• a good sleep and bed rest ensure the body's recovery
Prevention
A little bit of prevention is better than a ton of intervention, the saying goes. And they are right! What better prevention is represented by ensuring an intake of vitamin C in the body, a vitamin known to be effective in combating colds and flu. This means daily consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C starting in September and throughout the winter and the first months of spring – citrus fruits, sea buckthorn berries with honey, concentrated and natural juice – consumption of natural honey and propolis; frequent airing of living spaces – home or office, daily exercise and physical exertion in nature and, last but not least, a restful sleep of 7-9 hours. And, yes, during periods with a high potential for respiratory diseases, wearing a mask, especially in public transport, can save us from the inconveniences of the flu or other respiratory diseases.
