Flu, also referred to as Influenza, is an infectious disease that infects the upper airways and lungs in mammals. Flu is caused by an RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family (the influenza viruses) and the most common symptoms are fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, cough, weakness, and fatigue. Influenza, though commonly mistaken for cold, can be dangerous is left uncared for and can even lead to death.
Flu symptoms:
The flu virus attacks the respiratory tract, which is transmitted by saliva droplets expelled by coughing. Following are the symptoms of Flu:
- Body aches
- Cough
- Cold
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Watering eyes
- Loss of smell and nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Reddened eyes, face, mouth, and throat
- Runny nose
- Sore joints
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
Vaccines are recommended against influenza. However, its effectiveness varies with many criteria.
Patients suffering from flu are advised to get plenty of rest, drink liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Medications such as acetaminophen relieve fever and muscle aches associated with flu.
Children with flu symptoms are advised to avoid aspirin as aspirin in the presence of influenza infection can lead to Reye syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal disease of the liver.
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