A CASE STUDY:
“Recently, I had a patient who was suffering from cold, headaches and mild cough with sputum for over a week; and these symptoms were not subsiding with the usual medicines. His temperature was 102°F. I immediately asked him to get a chest x ray and a swab test done, which showed he had Swine flu(H1N1).
As a doctor, my advice to all is that any flu that doesn't come down after 3 days or shows signs of worsening, please contact your doctor. A lot of patients mistake flu for common cold and ignore it. As a result, their condition worsens leading to further complications and suffering”
- Dr. Sindhura Rao.
WHAT IS FLU / INFLUENZA?
Flu is a respiratory viral infection that is contagious in nature. It is caused by one of the three influenza viruses A, B and C.
HOW IT SPREADS?
The Flu / Influenza virus spreads through:
- - Airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes)
- - Skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs)
- - Saliva (Kissing or Sharing Drinks/ Food)
- - Touching contaminated surfaces (blanket or doorknob etc.)
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The symptoms of flu emerge suddenly and may cause a lot of weakness. These include:
- - Headache
- - Dry cough
- - Chills
- - Body aches
- - Fever (102°F - 104°F)
- - Sore throat
- - Nasal congestion
- - Weakness
- - Dizziness and vomiting
- - Loss of appetite
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF FLU?
Most cases of flu are mild enough and can be treated with simple medication. When you notice the emergence of the first flu symptoms, it is important that you stay home and avoid contact with other people.
You should:
- Drink plenty of water and fluid intake. These include water, low-sugar flavored drinks and sugar. Keep your body well hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily. This helps to flush out all the toxins from the system and allows good moisture and mucous production in the sinuses.
- Wash your hands properly to prevent the spreading of virus to other surfaces or to other people in your house.
- Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing with tissues and immediately dispose them off.
Should you see that the symptoms are getting from bad to worse, call your doctor. You should start treatment within 48 hours from when your symptoms first appear. People who are prone to high risk of flu-related complications are the high-risk groups such as:
- People with weakened immune systems
- Pregnant Women
- People over age 65
- Children under age 5
Your doctor may test for the flu virus right away. They may also prescribe an antiviral medication, influenza vaccination or administer the flu shot to prevent complications.
These vaccinations help to prevent Swine flu and other kinds of flu as well. If you experience any of the symptoms and feel too weak to leave your home, you can simply consult a doctor online from the very comfort of your home!
