The flu, also called influenza, is a contagious respiratory sickness that may vary from delicate to extreme. Signs of the flu usually come on out of the blue and may embody fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, and physique aches. In some circumstances, the flu also can result in extra severe issues, equivalent to pneumonia, bronchitis, and even loss of life.
The flu is attributable to the influenza virus, which is unfold via contact with respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The virus may also be unfold by touching one thing that has been contaminated with the virus after which touching your mouth, nostril, or eyes. The flu is most typical throughout the fall and winter months, however it may possibly happen at any time of the 12 months.
If you happen to suppose you might have the flu, it is essential to see a physician instantly. Early remedy can assist to scale back the severity of your signs and forestall issues.
what are the signs of the flu
The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness that may vary from delicate to extreme. Signs usually come on out of the blue and may embody:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nostril
- Physique and muscle fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Nausea
- Sneezing
In some circumstances, the flu also can result in extra severe issues, equivalent to pneumonia, meningitis, or encephalitis.
Fever
Fever is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s outlined as a physique temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or larger.
- Causes of fever: Fever is attributable to the physique’s immune response to the flu virus. When the virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds known as pyrogens. Pyrogens trigger the physique’s temperature to rise, which helps to struggle the an infection.
- Signs of fever: Fever could cause a wide range of signs, together with sweating, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some circumstances, fever also can result in dehydration, seizures, and hallucinations.
- Therapy of fever: There is no such thing as a particular remedy for fever. Therapy focuses on relieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter medicines, equivalent to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back fever. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to stop dehydration.
- When to see a physician: Most often, fever could be managed at house. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the fever is excessive (over 103°F or 39.4°C), if it lasts for greater than three days, or whether it is accompanied by different extreme signs, equivalent to shortness of breath, chest ache, or confusion.
Fever is a typical symptom of the flu, however it’s often not severe. Nevertheless, it is very important monitor fever carefully and to hunt medical consideration whether it is excessive or whether it is accompanied by different extreme signs.
Cough
Cough is one other frequent symptom of the flu. It’s a reflex that helps to guard the lungs and airways from irritants, equivalent to mucus, mud, and smoke.
- Causes of cough: Cough is attributable to irritation of the airways. When the flu virus invades the respiratory tract, it may possibly trigger irritation and swelling of the airways. This irritation can set off a cough reflex.
- Forms of cough: There are two fundamental sorts of cough: dry cough and moist cough. A dry cough is a cough that doesn’t produce any mucus. A moist cough is a cough that produces mucus or phlegm.
- Signs of cough: Cough could cause a wide range of signs, together with sore throat, hoarseness, chest ache, and issue respiration. In some circumstances, cough also can result in vomiting or incontinence.
- Therapy of cough: There is no such thing as a particular remedy for cough. Therapy focuses on relieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter cough suppressants can be utilized to scale back coughing. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to assist soothe the throat and loosen mucus.
Cough is a typical symptom of the flu, however it’s often not severe. Nevertheless, it may be a nuisance and may intrude with sleep and day by day actions. If cough is extreme or doesn’t enhance after a number of weeks, it is very important see a physician.
Sore throat
Sore throat is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation of the throat and tonsils. The irritation could be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
Signs of sore throat embody ache, scratchiness, or irritation within the throat. Swallowing could be painful and troublesome. Sore throat also can trigger hoarseness, coughing, and a sense of fullness or tightness within the throat.
Sore throat could be handled with over-the-counter ache relievers, equivalent to acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Gargling with salt water also can assist to alleviate ache and irritation. It is very important drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to keep away from smoking and alcohol, which might irritate the throat.
Most often, sore throat is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside a number of days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the sore throat is extreme, if it lasts for greater than per week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Sore throat is a typical and unsightly symptom of the flu, however it may possibly often be managed with easy house cures. If the sore throat is extreme or doesn’t enhance after a number of days, it is very important see a physician.
Runny nostril
Runny nostril is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation and swelling of the nasal passages. The irritation could be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
- Causes of runny nostril: Runny nostril is attributable to the physique’s try to flush out the flu virus and different irritants from the nasal passages. When the flu virus invades the nostril, it may possibly trigger the nasal passages to grow to be infected and swollen. This irritation can result in elevated mucus manufacturing, which might trigger a runny nostril.
- Signs of runny nostril: Runny nostril could cause a wide range of signs, together with sneezing, congestion, and a sore throat. In some circumstances, runny nostril also can result in complications, fatigue, and issue sleeping.
- Therapy of runny nostril: There is no such thing as a particular remedy for runny nostril. Therapy focuses on relieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants and antihistamines can be utilized to scale back nasal congestion and runny nostril. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to assist skinny mucus and maintain the nasal passages moist.
- When to see a physician: Most often, runny nostril is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside a number of days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the runny nostril is extreme, if it lasts for greater than per week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Runny nostril is a typical and unsightly symptom of the flu, however it may possibly often be managed with easy house cures. If the runny nostril is extreme or doesn’t enhance after a number of days, it is very important see a physician.
Physique and muscle fatigue
Physique and muscle fatigue are frequent signs of the flu. Fatigue is a sense of maximum tiredness and lack of power. Muscle fatigue is a sense of weak spot and ache within the muscle groups.
- Causes of physique and muscle fatigue: Physique and muscle fatigue are attributable to the physique’s response to the flu virus. When the flu virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds known as cytokines. Cytokines assist to struggle the an infection, however they’ll additionally trigger fatigue and muscle aches.
- Signs of physique and muscle fatigue: Physique and muscle fatigue could cause a wide range of signs, together with weak spot, tiredness, issue concentrating, and issue sleeping. In some circumstances, fatigue and muscle aches also can result in complications, nausea, and vomiting.
- Therapy of physique and muscle fatigue: There is no such thing as a particular remedy for physique and muscle fatigue. Therapy focuses on relieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter ache relievers, equivalent to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back muscle aches. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
- When to see a physician: Most often, physique and muscle fatigue aren’t severe and can resolve on their very own inside a number of days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the fatigue is extreme, if it lasts for greater than per week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Physique and muscle fatigue are frequent and unsightly signs of the flu, however they’ll often be managed with easy house cures. If the fatigue is extreme or doesn’t enhance after a number of days, it is very important see a physician.
Headache
Headache is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation of the sinuses and nasal passages. The irritation could be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
- Causes of headache: Complications are attributable to the physique’s response to the flu virus. When the flu virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds known as histamines. Histamines assist to struggle the an infection, however they’ll additionally trigger irritation and swelling of the sinuses and nasal passages. This irritation can result in complications.
- Signs of headache: Complications could cause a wide range of signs, together with ache, stress, or tightness within the head. In some circumstances, complications also can result in nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to mild and sound.
- Therapy of headache: There is no such thing as a particular remedy for complications. Therapy focuses onsilenrelieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter ache relievers, equivalent to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back complications. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
- When to see a physician: Most often, complications aren’t severe and can resolve on their very own inside a number of days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the headache is extreme, if it lasts for greater than per week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, stiff neck, or confusion.
Complications are a typical and unsightly symptom of the flu, however they’ll often be managed with easy house cures. If the headache is extreme or doesn’t enhance after a number of days, it is very important see a physician.
Chills
Chills are a typical symptom of the flu. They’re attributable to the physique’s try to boost its temperature to struggle the an infection. When the flu virus invades the physique, the immune system releases chemical compounds known as pyrogens. Pyrogens trigger the physique’s temperature to rise, which helps to kill the virus. Nevertheless, this course of also can trigger chills.
Chills could be delicate or extreme. In some circumstances, chills could be so extreme that they trigger the physique to shake. Chills may also be accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, headache, and muscle aches.
There is no such thing as a particular remedy for chills. Therapy focuses on relieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter ache relievers, equivalent to acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be utilized to scale back fever and chills. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
Most often, chills aren’t severe and can resolve on their very own inside a number of days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the chills are extreme, in the event that they final for greater than per week, or if they’re accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Chills are a typical and unsightly symptom of the flu, however they’ll often be managed with easy house cures. If the chills are extreme or don’t enhance after a number of days, it is very important see a physician.
Nausea
Nausea is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s attributable to irritation of the abdomen and intestines. The irritation could be attributable to the flu virus itself or by a secondary bacterial an infection.
Nausea could cause a wide range of signs, together with feeling sick to your abdomen, vomiting, and lack of urge for food. In some circumstances, nausea also can result in dehydration, fatigue, and issue sleeping.
There is no such thing as a particular remedy for nausea. Therapy focuses on relieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter anti-nausea medicines can be utilized to scale back nausea and vomiting. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to eat small, frequent meals.
Most often, nausea is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside a number of days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the nausea is extreme, if it lasts for greater than per week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Nausea is a typical and unsightly symptom of the flu, however it may possibly often be managed with easy house cures. If the nausea is extreme or doesn’t enhance after a number of days, it is very important see a physician.
Sneezing
Sneezing is a typical symptom of the flu. It’s a reflex that helps to guard the physique from irritants, equivalent to mud, pollen, and smoke. When the flu virus invades the nostril, it may possibly trigger irritation and irritation of the nasal passages. This irritation can set off a sneeze reflex.
- Causes of sneezing: Sneezing is attributable to irritation of the nasal passages. When the flu virus invades the nostril, it may possibly trigger irritation and swelling of the nasal passages. This irritation can result in elevated mucus manufacturing, which might irritate the nasal passages and set off a sneeze reflex.
- Signs of sneezing: Sneezing could cause a wide range of signs, together with a runny nostril, nasal congestion, and sore throat. In some circumstances, sneezing also can result in complications, fatigue, and issue sleeping.
- Therapy of sneezing: There is no such thing as a particular remedy for sneezing. Therapy focuses on relieving signs and stopping issues. Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can be utilized to scale back sneezing, runny nostril, and nasal congestion. Additionally it is essential to drink loads of fluids to remain hydrated and to get loads of relaxation.
- When to see a physician: Most often, sneezing is just not severe and can resolve by itself inside a number of days. Nevertheless, it is very important see a physician if the sneezing is extreme, if it lasts for greater than per week, or whether it is accompanied by different signs, equivalent to fever, headache, or physique aches.
Sneezing is a typical and unsightly symptom of the flu, however it may possibly often be managed with easy house cures. If the sneezing is extreme or doesn’t enhance after a number of days, it is very important see a physician.
FAQ
Obtained questions in regards to the flu? Listed below are some ceaselessly requested questions and solutions:
Query 1: What’s the flu?
Reply: The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness attributable to the influenza virus. It could actually vary from delicate to extreme and may even be deadly in some circumstances.
Query 2: What are the signs of the flu?
Reply: Frequent signs of the flu embody fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, chills, nausea, and sneezing.
Query 3: How is the flu unfold?
Reply: The flu is unfold via contact with respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You may also get the flu by touching one thing that has been contaminated with the virus after which touching your mouth, nostril, or eyes.
Query 4: Who’s most in danger for getting the flu?
Reply: Anybody can get the flu, however some persons are at larger danger for creating severe issues, together with younger kids, older adults, pregnant girls, and other people with continual well being circumstances.
Query 5: How can I stop the flu?
Reply: The easiest way to stop the flu is to get a flu vaccine yearly. Different preventive measures embody washing your fingers ceaselessly, avoiding touching your face, and staying house from work or faculty in case you are sick.
Query 6: What ought to I do if I get the flu?
Reply: If you happen to suppose you could have the flu, it is very important see a physician instantly. Early remedy can assist to scale back the severity of your signs and forestall issues. Relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines also can assist to alleviate signs.
Query 7: How lengthy does the flu final?
Reply: The flu usually lasts for 1-2 weeks, however some folks could expertise signs for longer.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
In case you have some other questions in regards to the flu, please discuss to your physician or go to the CDC web site.
Now that you realize extra in regards to the flu, listed below are some suggestions that will help you keep wholesome this season:
Suggestions
Listed below are a number of sensible suggestions that will help you keep wholesome throughout flu season:
Tip 1: Get a flu vaccine yearly.
The flu vaccine is the easiest way to stop the flu. It’s secure and efficient, and it may possibly assist to guard you from severe issues, equivalent to pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.
Tip 2: Wash your fingers ceaselessly.
Washing your fingers ceaselessly with cleaning soap and water is likely one of the finest methods to stop the unfold of germs. Wash your fingers earlier than consuming, after utilizing the lavatory, and after coughing or sneezing.
Tip 3: Keep away from touching your face.
Touching your face can switch germs out of your fingers to your mouth, nostril, or eyes, which might make you sick. Attempt to keep away from touching your face, particularly in case you are in a public place.
Tip 4: Keep house from work or faculty in case you are sick.
If you’re sick, it is very important keep house from work or faculty to stop spreading your sickness to others. That is particularly essential you probably have a fever, cough, or sore throat.
Tip 5: Get loads of relaxation and fluids.
If you happen to do get the flu, it is very important get loads of relaxation and fluids. Relaxation will assist your physique to struggle the an infection, and fluids will assist to stop dehydration.
Closing Paragraph for Suggestions:
By following these easy suggestions, you possibly can assist to scale back your danger of getting the flu and different respiratory sicknesses.
Bear in mind, the flu is a severe sickness, however it may be prevented. By taking the required precautions, you possibly can assist to guard your self and your family members from the flu.
Conclusion
The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness that may vary from delicate to extreme. Signs of the flu embody fever, cough, sore throat, runny nostril, physique aches, headache, chills, nausea, and sneezing. The flu is unfold via contact with respiratory droplets when an contaminated particular person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Anybody can get the flu, however some persons are at larger danger for creating severe issues, together with younger kids, older adults, pregnant girls, and other people with continual well being circumstances.
The easiest way to stop the flu is to get a flu vaccine yearly. Different preventive measures embody washing your fingers ceaselessly, avoiding touching your face, and staying house from work or faculty in case you are sick.
If you happen to do get the flu, it is very important see a physician instantly. Early remedy can assist to scale back the severity of your signs and forestall issues. Relaxation, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines also can assist to alleviate signs.
The flu is a severe sickness, however it may be prevented. By taking the required precautions, you possibly can assist to guard your self and your family members from the flu.
Closing Message:
Bear in mind, the flu is a contagious sickness, so it is very important take steps to guard your self and others. Get a flu vaccine yearly, wash your fingers ceaselessly, keep away from touching your face, and keep house from work or faculty in case you are sick. By following these easy steps, you possibly can assist to scale back your danger of getting the flu and spreading it to others.
