Flu Causes, Symptoms, Incubation Period, Treatment, Complications And Preventive Measures

Flu is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by a virus. It is the most common and highly contagious airborne disease. The flu infects lungs, throat and nose. It is most common in winters, late fall and early spring. It is confused with other diseases such as cold and influenza. It is a viral infection and lasts for about a week. It affects people of all ages but pregnant women, elderly and children under 59 months are more prone to flu. Health care workers are at higher risk of flu due to increased exposure to patients. The symptoms of flu range from mild to severe. Flu is also called influenza.

Causes

The flu is caused by influenza virus. The seasonal influenza can spread easily from person to person. The influenza virus can spread easily due to coughing or sneezing. During coughing or sneezing, the droplets are produced. These droplets have the ability to spread to a distance of one meter. The virus can also spread due to hands contaminated with influenza virus droplets.

Symptoms

Flu is a serious condition characterized by the following signs and symptoms,

• Malaise (Feeling of discomfort or illness)
• Myalgia (Pain in muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia)
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Chills and sweats
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Incubation Period

The average incubation period of influenza virus is 2 days but may extend to 4 days.

Treatment

The standard treatment plan must include neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Drugs used are zanamivir and oseltamivir. Oseltamivir is given orally while zanamivir is given in the form of dry powder using an inhaler. Almost all the types and subtypes of influenza virus are resistant to antiviral drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine. Therefore, the antiviral drugs are not recommended to use in the flu.  You must maintain a good level of hydration during the flu. The best possible and effective way to treat flu is by vaccination. Annual vaccination is recommended for flu. The most commonly used influenza vaccine throughout the world is inactivated flu vaccine.

Complications

Flu in healthy individuals is treated by following the preventive measures. You may feel uncomfortable or miserable for a short period of time. But children, pregnant women and elderly people are at higher risk for developing complications such as,

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Infection of ear
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Heart problems
• Diabetes

Preventive Measures

You must follow the protective measures which are discussed below to prevent the complications of flu, 

• Regularly wash your hands
• Maintain good respiratory hygiene
• Avoid close contact with influenza patients
• Wear a mask and gloves during close contact with sick people
• Try to avoid touching your face, eyes and nose