The change of season has arrived and in recent days a sharp drop in temperatures has been noted, this causes body temperature to alter and leads to the appearance of cases of colds and the dreaded flu.
Given the foreseeable increase in flu cases, due to the drop in temperatures, it is important to be informed.
The flu is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person and can affect people of any age.
Most people can infect others from 1 day before the onset of flu symptoms to 5 to 7 days after the onset of flu symptoms.
The disease is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, muscle pain, headache and sore throat, dry cough and runny nose. However, flu patients often have mild cold symptoms.
It is transmitted to nearby people who inhale respiratory droplets produced by coughing and sneezing, or even when talking. Likewise, it can also be spread through contaminated hands and contact with surfaces or objects with the presence of the virus and subsequent inoculation by touching one's own mouth or nose.
It is generally a self-limiting disease with a benign course that does not require antibiotic treatment, with the majority of those affected recovering in one or two weeks.
In severe cases or in patients at high risk of flu-related complications, it is important to see a doctor and start treatment with antivirals as soon as possible.
In addition to knowing what the flu is, how it is transmitted and what the symptoms are, we will give you some tips on how to prevent and treat it.
How to prevent it
• Extreme hygiene: wash your hands carefully and frequently, with soap and water and for a long time. Especially after coughing, sneezing or caring for a sick person.
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a disposable tissue and throw it in the trash immediately after using it. If you don't have a handkerchief, use your hand or the inside of your elbow and wash afterwards.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Do not share food, glasses or cutlery.- Ventilate the rooms well.
How to treat it
Flu treatment is mainly aimed at relieving symptoms:
Take rest,
• Drink enough fluids,
• Avoid the consumption of alcohol or tobacco,
• Pain relievers or antipyretics can improve symptoms, but they do not cure the flu.
But it is important to know that it is recommended that you see a specialist doctor.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Influenza (flu) and the common cold are contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses.
Influenza is caused only by influenza viruses, while the common cold can be caused by several different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza viruses, and parainfluenza viruses. seasonal coronaviruses.
Seasonal coronaviruses should not be confused with SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes
Because the flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone.
In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, the symptoms are usually more intense, and the onset is usually more sudden.
Colds are usually milder than the flu.
People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people with the flu.
Colds generally do not cause serious health problems such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations. Influenza can have serious associated complications.
How can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu?
Because the flu and the cold share many symptoms, it can be difficult (or even impossible) to tell the difference between them based on the symptoms alone. There are special tests that can tell if a person has the flu.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
The flu symptoms They may include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Cold symptoms are generally milder than flu symptoms. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose. Colds generally do not lead to serious health problems.
Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu..
If you are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu, it is especially important to get a flu vaccine.
By getting vaccinated, you reduce your risk of getting sick from the flu and possibly being hospitalized or dying from the flu.
