The flu is effective for about 6-8 weeks in the winter. Active influenza virus has types A, B and C. Type C does not cause illness in people. Influenza A is milder. Type B mostly affects children. The flu virus can cause major epidemics in some years. The way the disease is transmitted is that the respiratory secretions of sick people are transmitted to healthy people. The incubation period of the disease is 1-3 days.
Flu patients begin to become infected one day before the onset of symptoms, and the transmission continues for another 5 days. In children, this period can take up to 10 days.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
- Fever: 38-39
- Headache
- General body pain
- 2-3 weeks of fatigue and weakness
- Stuffy nose
- Throat ache
- Frequent cough
Complications due to influenza; pneumonia are encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and myocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart). Death can occur after flu. However, the cause of death is usually complications.
How is the flu diagnosed?
Flu symptoms are often confused with cold symptoms. The definitive diagnosis of influenza is made with a swab in the first 3 days of the disease.
How is flu treatment done?
The main drugs used in flu treatment are antiviral drugs and vaccines. The flu virus undergoes antigenic changes every year. For this reason, flu vaccines are produced each year according to the most common flu viruses of the previous year. The vaccination is given between September and November. Severe illness and complications are prevented by vaccination. The protection of the vaccine is between 70-90%. First things to be vaccinated:
- Over the age of 65,
- Those staying in the elderly care home,
- Children and adults with asthma,
- Those with heart-lung disease,
- Diabetes, kidney disease and those with weak immune system,
- Long-term aspirin therapy,
- Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season,
- healthcare professionals, those working in elderly centers,
- They are people with the AIDS virus.
Breastfeeding mothers can be vaccinated. Flu vaccine can be administered with other vaccines. Young children are given two half doses at 1-month intervals at the first administration.
Risk groups that should not be vaccinated:
- Babies younger than six months
- Those who are allergic to eggs,
- Those with high fever,
- Those who have an allergic reaction to the previous flu vaccine.
Flu medicines
There are antiviral drugs used in the treatment of flu. These drugs will be effective if used within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin. Not every flu patient needs to use antiviral medication. These drugs are especially applied to risky groups.
Painkillers and antipyretics are often used in the treatment of flu. Aspirin should never be used in treatment. Drink plenty of fluids and bed rest. Fresh fruits and vegetables should be consumed in large quantities. Hands should be washed frequently. It is appropriate to use a mask to reduce the transmission of the disease.
What foods are good for the flu?
Chicken soup, trotter soup, orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon tea, ginger, echinacea, rosehip, sage, thyme tea, eucalyptus tea, honey, onion and garlic are the main beneficial foods for flu.
How can we be protected from the flu?
It is necessary to stay away from crowded environments, use masks, wash hands frequently, eat healthy, avoid fatigue and insomnia, and drink plenty of fluids in seasons when flu is common and epidemic. Not sending sick children to day care centers or schools can slow the spread of the disease. It is helpful to avoid kissing and shaking hands in winter.
Getting vaccinated is in the first place in prevention.
