Influenza, or flu, is a common infection of the respiratory tract that affects people of all ages. It can cause severe symptoms, particularly in young children, the elderly and the sick. People catch the flu by coming into contact with air droplets emitted by the coughing and sneezing of persons with the virus. A few days after exposure to an infected person, symptoms of the flu appear. These include coughing, runny nose, body aches, chills, lack of energy, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can be accompanied by dizziness as well. Once the illness begins, there are measures you can take to decrease the severity of symptoms such as dizziness and avoid serious complications.
Step 1
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dizziness can be characterized by lightheadedness, disorientation or unsteadiness. Although there are many causes of dizziness, in people with the flu it usually results from dehydration. Therefore, it is important to maintain adequate fluid intake during a bout of influenza. Dehydration can result from inability to tolerate fluids due to nausea and vomiting, or from increased fluid loss resulting from diarrhea and increased sweating during fevers. Look for signs of dehydration including dry lips and tongue, decreased urine output, increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure and, in infants, sunken fontanels. According to MayoClinic.com, oral hydration in adults is most effectively achieved by drinking small, frequent amounts of water and avoiding caffeinated and sugary drinks that can worsen diarrhea and dehydration. For children, electrolyte-containing oral rehydration solutions are more appropriate. In severe cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids may become necessary both to replenish fluids and to correct electrolyte abnormalities resulting from dehydration. Report signs of dehydration promptly to a physician to avoid serious complications.
Step 2
Use medications for dizziness. There are several medications that can help decrease the severity of dizziness resulting from the flu. Meclizine is an antihistamine that treats nausea, vomiting and some causes of dizziness. Another medicine, promethazine, helps treat the nausea associated with the flu, and can prevent dehydration and dizziness. There are natural remedies for dizziness or vertigo, such as ginkgo biloba and ginger, but these may take weeks to take effect. Consult a physician before self-treating with any remedy.
Step 3
Check for complications of the flu. Infection with the influenza virus can lead to other serious conditions that can cause dizziness. Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs, can cause fever, difficulty breathing, dehydration and dizziness. According to the Merck Manual, other complications of influenza include myocarditis and encephalitis. Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart tissue, which can lead to heart failure, the inability of the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. One of the symptoms of heart failure is dizziness, since the brain does not get enough oxygen. Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain tissue, can also lead to dizziness, as well as headache and changes in mental status. Other complications than can cause dizziness include liver failure, which can lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar; and renal failure, which can lead to accumulation of toxic waste products that can cause dizziness. Seek medical care right away if signs of these complications present.
Step 4
Seek treatment with anti-influenza medicines for yourself or others who are at high risk for flu complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early treatment with antiviral medications can decrease the chance of complications from influenza infection. Groups at high risk include children younger than 2 years of age, adults older than 65, people with chronic health conditions and those who have weakened immune systems. Treatment is more effective if begun within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, so contact your physician early. Therapy is with medicines such as neuraminidase inhibitors, which prevent the replication of the virus. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat super infection with bacteria that may arise, such as in the case of pneumonia. By treating the complications of flu infection, you can decrease the chances of developing symptoms such as dizziness.
Step 5
Get a vaccination to prevent infection and dizziness. Because the circulating strains of the influenza virus vary from year to year, annual vaccination is necessary to prevent infection. Vaccination decreases the possibility of infection by about 70 to 90 percent, according to Merck Manual, and is even more effective in preventing serious complications. There are two types of vaccines, one that is injected and another that is inhaled through the nose. Antiviral medications can be used to prevent infection in those who cannot take the vaccine, such as people who have an impaired immune system.
Tips and Warnings
- Stay home if you have influenza to avoid spreading the infection. During flu season, wear a face mask in crowded public places such as waiting rooms to help prevent exposure to airborne droplets.
- Seek early medical treatment if you develop flu symptoms to avoid complications.
