What is the flu?
Influenza (flu) is a contagious illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. It can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications. Influenza is spread by contact with respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What is the difference between a cold and the flu?
Flu is not the same as a common cold. While a cold and the flu are both caused by viruses, and some of the symptoms are similar, the symptoms of flu are more severe and last longer than those of a cold. Flu is a serious disease that can lead to:
- Bronchitis
- Croup
- Pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Heart and other organ damage
- Brain inflammation and brain damage
- Death.
What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms usually start about 1 to 3 days after catching the flu and can last for a week or more. Some people can be mildly affected, while others can become seriously ill.
The most common symptoms of the flu include:
- Runny nose or sneezing
- Cough or sore throat
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Body aches
- Vomiting and diarrhoea (more common in children).
The flu can cause serious complications, particularly in children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. This is why the flu is more serious illness than the common cold.
How to relieve flu symptoms?
If you have any flu-like symptoms it is important to get tested for COVID-19 immediately, even if your symptoms are mild.
In most cases you can treat the symptoms of a mild flu yourself. Most people will get better by themselves within 7 to 10 days and without any treatment.
Some things you can do to relieve flu symptoms include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic fluids to prevent dehydration
- Keeping warm
- Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke if possible
- Inhaling steam from a hot bath or shower in a closed room to help relieve a blocked nose – remember to always directly supervise children near hot water
There are also several medicines available to ease cold and flu symptoms, such as pain and fever.
How does the flu vaccine help?
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from serious disease caused by influenza. By getting vaccinated against influenza, you can also help protect other people, especially people who are too sick or too young to be vaccinated. The more people who are vaccinated in your community, the less likely the disease will spread.
Annual immunisation is recommended as the influenza virus is constantly changing, and the vaccine changes accordingly.
As well as vaccination, it is important to continue practicing good hand hygiene, covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when you are unwell to minimise the spread of the flu.
Flu Vaccinations are available at Moss Vale Community Pharmacy by Appointment
Tel: 48681293 to make your appointment today
