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FluFlu in Adults Overview Many people commonly and incorrectly confuse influenza (the flu) with the common cold. Differentiating a cold from the flu by symptoms alone can sometimes be difficult or impossible, but in general, people with the flu get sick more suddenly, look much sicker, and feel much weaker than if the ailment were a common cold. Higher fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough are more often symptoms of the flu, whereas runny or stuffy nose are more often associated with common colds. Flu is an acute infection of the airway tract in the nose and throat that can sometimes spread down into the lungs. It is the most frequent cause of acute respiratory illness and can affect people of all ages. It occurs every year mainly in late fall and early winter and in a widespread fashion affecting many people of different ages at the same time. The peak season for the flu in the northern hemisphere is from November through March. Some also confuse the flu illness with the term stomach flu. The latter is an illness associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and can be caused by viruses other than the influenza viruses and by bacteria. It is a stomach illness, whereas the flu is an illness of the respiratory system. About 10-20% of people in the United States get the flu every year, and more than 200,000 are admitted to a hospital for complications related to the flu. Each year roughly 20,000 Americans die from these complications. Most of these deaths occur in those older than 65 years. Three types of influenza viruses exist. Types A and B cause epidemics of severe respiratory illnesses known as “the flu,” and type C causes a mild illness, not associated with epidemics. Type A is divided into different subtypes based on the chemical structure of the virus. Type B is not divided into subtypes. Both type A and type B are responsible for the seasonal outbreaks of flu. Outbreaks occur more frequently in the winter months. Many factors may play a role in this seasonal pattern: The virus survives for longer periods indoors in winter because the relative humidity of indoor air is very low, in comparison to the outside air. The virus may stay suspended in the air for prolonged periods and thus infect others by being inhaled. The virus droplets can also infect by landing on sensitive body areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth. In winter, humans tend to be indoors more and thus have closer contact with each other, which makes it easier for the virus to spread. Flu outbreaks are classified as epidemics (occurring in a set geographical area) or pandemics (a worldwide occurrence). Influenza is a highly contagious disease. The virus is spread when you either inhale infected droplets in the air (spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes) or when you come in direct contact with an infected person's secretions (for example, by kissing, sharing of handkerchiefs and other items, and through use of objects such as spoons and forks). Touching smooth surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, and telephones, are other ways to transfer the virus to your hands, which may then contact the nose or mouth where the virus gets absorbed. A person with flu is contagious for up to 7 days after the onset of the illness, although the virus can be detected in the secretions up to 24 hours before the onset of symptoms. Thus, an individual can transmit the virus one day before symptoms begin. In young children, the virus can still be spread in the secretions into the second week of illness. Flu in Adults Symptoms A sudden increase in the number of school-aged children sick at home with flu-like illness may indicate arrival of flu season. This outbreak is soon followed by similar infection in other age groups, especially among adults. Symptoms usually come on suddenly. fever(usually high) Severe aches and pains in the joints and muscles and around the eyes Generalized weakness Ill appearance with warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes Headache Dry cough Sore throat and watery discharge from the nose When to Seek Medical Care Consult a doctor if the following situations occur: A cold. lasts for more than 10 days. Body temperature rises above 102°F (38.8°C) in spite of treatment with medicines. Shortness of breath develops. Symptoms last longer than 5-7 days without any relief. Certain high-risk groups of people are in danger of developing complications from the flu and should contact their doctors if symptoms develop: Those with chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, or kidneys (asthma, cystic fibrosis are examples) Pregnant women People with diabetes Anyone who is HIV positive or has AIDS Residents of nursing homes and other facilities Elderly persons (older than 65 years) Complications may develop with the flu. Seek care in a hospital's emergency department for the following developments. These symptoms may signify a more severe and complicated attack of flu—for example, sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, and the development of pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, and it may be caused by the flu virus itself or by a bacterial infection that may occur when the person is weakened during a flu attack. Dehydration and unable to drink fluids Blood in the sputum (saliva mixed with mucus and coughed up) Difficulty breathing Turning blue Worsening fever Return of fever, cough, and other symptoms in the second week after the onset of the flu or worsening after symptoms have begun to improve Self-Care at Home Rest in bed. Avoid physical exertion. Avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices, and clear soups (chicken). Water should never be the sole or main liquid consumed because it does not contain adequate electrolytes (sodium and potassium, for example) that the body requires. Commercially available products such as Gatorade and other similar sports drinks can be useful in this regard. For children, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) packets are another good way to replenish the body. A similar rehydrating solution can be made at home using salt, sugar, and plain or rice water. Adding some orange juice and mashed bananas enhances the taste and also provides a good source of potassium. Such a solution can be used by anyone, regardless of age. Use cough suppressants and expectorants to treat the cough. Steam inhalations may be useful in opening up a blocked nose and thus make breathing easier. To create steam, boil water on the stove, remove the pot from the stove, then sit with a towel over your head and inhale the steam. The water should be hot, not boiling under your face. Use caution if you have asthma. You may enhance the decongestant effect of the steam by adding a half teaspoon of Vicks VapoRub, 1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil, or a few slices of ginger to the boiling water. Another simple method is steaming up the bathroom by letting the shower run with hot water only. Inhaling the moisture in a steamy room can serve a similar purpose. Be careful, however, not to sit directly under the shower in order to avoid getting burned. Avoid touching hard surfaces where flu viruses may remain alive: handrails, telephones, doors, faucets, and counters. Wash your hands often, especially after being in public places or at work. Cough and sneeze into a soft tissue or handkerchief. Carefully dispose of soft tissues after using them. Stay away from people who have the flu, if possible. Aromatherapy treatments can benefit the flu sufferer in a variety of ways. Firstly to use essential oils at the first signs of infection can help to prevent the infection from getting worse. So run a hot bath with a few drops of any of the following essential oils: Eucalyptus, Lavender, Ravensara, Tea Tree. After having a long soak then it’s important to go straight to bed and rest. Repeat the baths for the next three days. Increase the benefits of the bath by having steam inhalations using this cocktail of essential oils. Often a person who does not pick up flu or colds is described as having a good resistance to infection and these oils can stimulate the defences. Put any of the following oils in an oil burner ... Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Clove, Rosemary and Tea Tree... and place the oil burner in a sick person’s room. Remember that antibiotics for use especially by the elderly or those at risk are very important but essential oils can be used to great effect to help alleviate the symptoms and benefit the sufferer. |
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