We can answer the question of what is the flu, in its most general form, as ‘a seasonal disease caused by a virus called influenza’. The flu, which occurs with various symptoms, is especially common in the winter season and can be effective for 6 to 8 weeks. There are 3 different types of influenza virus that causes flu. We can sort them as A, B and C. Type C virus does not cause disease, while type B virus is more common in children. We can state that the incubation period of this disease is 1 day to 3 days.

Since the first symptoms of the flu are often similar to the symptoms of the common cold, these two diseases can be confused. The diagnosis can be easily made by taking a swab sample from the nose in the first 3 days of the disease. In the meantime, it should be noted that various complications can occur depending on the flu. The most common among them can be listed as follows:

  • Pneumonia
  • Encephalitis
  • Pericardium inflammation

These complications are the main cause of death after the flu.

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What are the Symptoms of Flu?

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Patients need to be informed about the symptoms of this disease as well as what the flu is. Because when symptoms occur, an otolaryngologist should be consulted. Common flu symptoms include:

  • High body temperature of 38-39 degrees Celsius
  • Headache
  • Pain in the whole body in general
  • Feeling tired and exhausted, which can last for 2 to 3 weeks
  • Nasal congestion
  • Having pain in the throat
  • Dry cough

In addition, continuous mouth breathing due to nasal congestion can cause dryness and irritation in the throat. It is beneficial for patients to consider the symptoms of flu and to consult a doctor for treatment as soon as possible. With the use of drugs prescribed by the doctor, the discomfort can be completed with an easier process.

How Is the Flu Treated?

We can say that flu treatment is done with antiviral drugs and vaccines. However, it should be noted that the flu vaccine may change every year. The reason for this is that the flu virus undergoes antigenic change and vaccines are produced for this virus.

In case of the onset of flu symptoms, the fact that patients take the flu seriously and consult a doctor also affects the success of the treatment. Because drugs are beneficial when used within the first 48 hours. It is important to start drug use as soon as possible, especially for risky groups. It may also be necessary to use drugs with analgesic and antipyretic effects as part of the treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, spending as much time resting as possible, and consuming fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season help patients recover faster.

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Methods of Protection Against the Flu

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Prevention methods from the flu are just as important as what is the flu. Because flu is contagious and patients can transmit flu to people they are in contact with 1 day before the symptoms of the disease begin to appear. It should be noted that the contagion continues for 5 more days. The situation is different for children and the contagiousness for them can last up to 10 days. The methods that can be applied to protect against the flu are as follows:

  • Avoiding crowds
  • Eating healthy and regular
  • Paying attention to daily water consumption
  • Washing hands frequently
  • Using a mask when going outside
  • Avoiding actions such as kissing and shaking hands in winter

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What’s the Use of the Flu Vaccines?

Usually, the flu vaccine comes up with the subject of what is the flu. This vaccine protects the body against the flu virus and one can be vaccinated at any age. It should be noted that the vaccine is administered between September and November. It is also not true that the flu vaccine offers 100% protection against the flu. The protection rate of this vaccine is between 70% and 90%. Vaccination not only provides a milder recovery when patients get the flu, but also significantly reduces the risk of possible complications. We should also underline that not every individual can benefit from the flu vaccine, unfortunately. We can list those who should not get the flu vaccine as follows:

  • Babies younger than 6 months old
  • Those allergic to eggs
  • Those with high body temperature
  • People who have had an allergic reaction when they’ve had the flu vaccine before

Finally, it should be noted that there is no harm in getting the flu vaccine for breastfeeding mothers.

 

Foreign resources related to the subject:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm