The flu, short for influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Here are the key points about the flu:
- Cause:
- Caused by influenza viruses, primarily influenza A and B types
- Main symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Onset and duration:
- Symptoms typically appear suddenly, 1-4 days after exposure
- Most people recover within a few days to less than two weeks
- Transmission:
- Spreads mainly by droplets when infected people cough, sneeze or talk
- Can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces
- Complications:
- Can lead to more serious conditions like pneumonia, especially in high-risk groups
- Can worsen chronic health problems
- Prevention:
- Annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu
- Good hygiene practices like handwashing
- Treatment:
- Most cases resolve on their own with rest and fluids
- Antiviral drugs can be used, especially for people at high risk of complications
- High-risk groups:
- Young children
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People with certain chronic health conditions
The flu is different from the common cold and can be more severe. It’s important to take preventive measures and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or you’re in a high-risk group.
Citations:
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/flu.html
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
[5] https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/flu-influenza
[6] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)
[7] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flu