What is influenza?
Influenza is characterised by a runny nose, sore throat, headache, fever and aching muscles and joints. Influenza is a viral disease that usually strikes between October and May. It lasts from three to five days an
d can be followed by fatigue for two or three weeks. It usually causes aching muscles and joints, headaches, cough and fever with a temperature of between 38o and 40oC.Although it can become a much more severe illness, leading to pneumonia, nerve and brain damage and even death – such complications are
rare.
Because it is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antiviral agents can reduce the severity and duration of infection, but these are generally prescribed only if there are concerns regarding c
omplications of the infection or transmission of more severe strains of the virus. The best remedy is rest while drinking plenty of fluids.
It's possible to get vaccinated against influenza, which is especially advisable for the elderly
and other people who are at increased risk of experiencing complications of flu. These include people with chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver and neurological diseases, people with diabetes, people with HIV infection and those who have an underactive immune system.
What are the symptoms?
- Headache.
- Fever (38o to 40oC).
- Aching muscles and joints.
- Chest pains.Lack of appetite.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- A runny nose and sore throat.
- Dry cough.Restless sleep.
- Chills and shivering.
- Indigestion.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea.
What can I do?
- Step up your fluid intake – you lose a lot of liquids during a fever.
- Rest, preferably by staying in bed.
- Try to get plenty of sleep.
- If you have a cough, an over-the-counter cough remedy may ease your symptoms. The pharmacist is the best person to advise on this.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Paracetamol (eg Panadol, Calpol) or aspirin (eg Aspro clear) will reduce fever and muscle aches. (Note that aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.) Ibuprofen (eg Nurofen) will also relieve these symptoms. These painkillers are also found combined with medicines such as nasal decongestants in various over-the-counter cold and flu remedies.
- Ask your pharmacist for advice about which are most suitable for relieving your symptoms.
- Consult a doctor if the symptoms do not disappear after a week, or sooner if you feel worse.
Is the flu just a bad cold?
No, but it is a virus like a cold and cannot be cured once caught. Flu (Influenza) can be a lot worse than a cold, sometimes even fatal depending on who has it, such as an elderly person or young child. When a person goes to school or work after being off sick for 2 or 3 days, and say they had flu - do not believe them. Flu lasts for more than 2 or 3 days and the symptoms are a lot worse than that of a cold. People are ill for around 1 - 2 weeks and can have severe cold symptoms, diarrhoea, vomiting, severe weakness, hallucinations etc.
Fever
A complex physiologic response to disease mediated by pyrogenic cytokines and characterized by a rise in core temperature, generation of acute phase reactants, and activation of immune systems.
What are the signs and symptoms of fever?
A symptom is something the patient reports and feels, while a sign is something other people, including a doctor may detect. For example, a headache may be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.
When somebody has a fever, signs and symptoms are linked to what is known as sickness behavior, and may include:
- Feeling cold when nobody else does
- Shivering
- Anorexia - lack of appetite
- Dehydration - preventable if the patient drinks plenty of fluids
- Depression
- Hyperalgesia - the individual is much more sensitive to pain
- Lethargy
- Problems concentrating
- Sleepiness
- Sweating
If the fever is high there may also be extreme irritability, confusion, delirium and convulsions.
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