iCare Mobile Medicine

View Original

Influenza (flu)

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's not the same as stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting.

For most people, the flu resolves on its own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include:

  1. Young children under age 5, and especially those under 6 months

  2. Adults older than age 65

  3. Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

  4. Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth

  5. People with weakened immune systems

  6. Native Americans

  7. People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes

  8. People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher

Influenza (flu) Symptoms

At first, the flu may seem like a common cold with a runny nose, sneezing and sore throat. But colds usually develop slowly, whereas the flu tends to come on suddenly. And although a cold can be a bother, you usually feel much worse with the flu.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

  • Fever

  • Aching muscles

  • Chills and sweats

  • Headache

  • Dry, persistent cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Tiredness and weakness

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sore throat

  • Eye pain

  • Vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults

When to seek care

Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and often don't need to see a doctor.

If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your doctor right away. Taking antiviral drugs may reduce the length of your illness and help prevent more-serious problems.

If you have emergency signs and symptoms of the flu, get medical care right away. For adults, emergency signs and symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Chest pain

  • Ongoing dizziness

  • Seizures

  • Worsening of existing medical conditions

  • Severe weakness or muscle pain

Emergency signs and symptoms in children can include:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Blue lips

  • Chest pain

  • Dehydration

  • Severe muscle pain

  • Seizures

  • Worsening of existing medical conditions

Resources:

-Mayo Clinic