Influenza or flu is caused by a virus that leads to respiratory illness. It is common viral infection that can be severe, in high risk groups. (Young children, old people, pregnant woman & people with chronic disease or week immune system). It attacks the lungs, nose, and throat.
It spreads by:-
– Coughs and sneezes
– Touching contaminated surface like blanket or doorknobs.
– Sharing drinks, Handshakes or hugs

Common Symptoms of FLU…
– Fever / Aching muscles
– Chills / Sweats / Headache
– Dry or persistent cough
– Shortness of breath
– Tiredness and weakness
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Sore throat / Eye pain
– Vomiting / Diarrhea

It’s more common in children than adults. The incubation period is about couple of days. Flu is contagious & symptoms may last up to 2 weeks. Most people who get the conventional or seasonal flu recover completely in one to two weeks, but some people may develop serious complications, such as Pneumonia. People should be aware that flu pandemics can cause severe flu symptoms and sometimes become dangerous to many individuals who may be more susceptible to the pandemic flu than the conventional flu. Pandemic flu may include…
– H1N1 – Is a part of conventional flu and vaccine is available.
– H5N1- Bird flu – mainly infects birds but it also infects humans who have close contacts with birds.
– Covid 19 – Pandemic Flu and vaccine not available
Moreover, the flu vaccination will not help prevent the virus completely.
Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and often don’t need to see a doctor. But if you have emergency signs and symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away and get the required tests done today at your doorsteps. #MedShubh

When to see a Doctor in case of FLU
If you have flu symptoms & are at risk of complications, see your doctor right away. Taking antiviral drugs may reduce the length of your illness and prevent more serious problems.
Emergency signs in adults may include
– Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
– Chest pain
– Ongoing dizziness
– Seizures
– Worsening of existing medical complications,
– Severe weakness or muscle pain.

Emergency signs and symptoms in children may include…
– Difficulty breathing
– Blue lips
– Chest pain
– Dehydration
– Severe muscular pain
– Seizures
– Worsening of existing medical conditions

Controlling the spread of infections
The influenza vaccine might be effective, but it’s also important to take several measures to reduce the spread of infection including :
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20sec or use alcohol based sanitizers where soap and water isn’t available.
– Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth frequently.
– Cover your coughs and sneezes into a tissue or your elbow and then wash your hands.
– Regular clean surfaces often touched to prevent spread of infection.
– Avoid crowds as the flu spreads easily wherever people gather like childcare centers, schools, office buildings, auditoriums, and public transportation.
– Practice physical distancing and stay at least six feet or two meters distant from others.

Be healthy, be safe. #MedShubh

For a complete health check-up please visit Dr Lal PathLabs center in Noida

#MedShubh #DrLalPathLabs