Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious virus that usually strikes in the winter months. A yearly vaccine is available that greatly lowers the odds of contracting influenza. Also called the flu, the symptoms of this virus vary from mild to severe and usually resolve within two weeks. Several antiviral medications are available to treat the flu; they work best when started soon after the illness begins. Over-the-counter medicines are also available to relieve the symptoms of flu.
Weakness
The flu causes weakness and a need for extra rest. The sufferers typically feels fatigued and acutely ill. To offset this effect, it is frequently recommended to avoid physical activity for several days and get extra sleep. This allows the body to devote energy to fighting the infection and recuperating.
Severe Headache
"Medical-Surgical Nursing" explains that people with the flu often complain of a severe headache. Some individuals describe the headache as mild in nature. Muscle aches and body aches are other common complaints. Over-the-counter pain remedies usually provide temporary relief for these effects.
Fever
One of the more memorable effects of the seasonal flu is fever. This elevation in body temperature often cycles with episodes of chilling, causing misery for several days. Over-the-counter fever-reducing medications usually provide temporary relief for fever. It is helpful to remain indoors, wear light clothing and maintain a normal room temperature regardless of body temperature.
Cough
The typical flu sufferer experiences episodes of coughing, along with a sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. Cough remedies are sometimes used, especially when sleep is desired. Decongestants are sometimes taken, but they can worsen symptoms when they wear off. Warm salted-water gargles may ease throat pain.
Loss of Appetite
Flu often causes a loss of appetite for several days. Some individuals, especially children, are susceptible to developing vomiting and diarrhea. Eating light, small meals and drinking plenty of fluids can help offset these flu effects.
Pneumonia
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that some flu sufferers develop pneumonia, a condition in which the lung tissue swells and fluid moves into the tiny spaces in the lungs, causing difficulty getting enough oxygen into the bloodstream. This can lead to difficulty breathing; some individuals are lost to influenza-induced pneumonia each year. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of succumbing to this type of pneumonia.
Worsening of Existing Conditions
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the flu can worsen existing medical conditions. Those with chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma or chronic bronchitis may be at risk of worsened breathing difficulties and people with congestive heart failure may decompensate due to influenza.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Seasonal Influenza
- Flu.gov: About the Flu
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
