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WHAT CAUSES ‘FLU?
Influenza (‘flu) is a viral illness that usually occurs during winter
months. The infection is ‘airborne’ which means it is spread by droplets
from a cough or a sneeze. If these droplets get onto the hands the virus
can spread by hand contact.
SYMPTOMS
Often cold like symptoms start more rapidly and violently with ‘flu with
higher fever and severe aches and pains often in the back and muscles.
There may be a severe headache, cough and intermittent sweating and
shivering associated with the fever. Sometimes there is vomiting and/or
diarrhoea.
The worst symptoms usually last on average 3 – 5 days and should then
begin to improve.
It is common to need 2 – 3 weeks off work as there is considerable
tiredness and debility after the feverish illness is over. Often a
sufferer feels depressed after the illness which is a natural
after-effect of the condition which should resolve with time.
‘Flu does make everyone feel terrible but sufferers do recover with
time. However, the very young or very old and those with poor immunity
may become quite ill with ‘flu and they should seek advice from their
doctor.
TREATMENT
‘Flu is a viral illness and will not respond to an antibiotic. It is
best to treat the symptoms.
- Stay at home
- Drink plenty of liquids
- Take ‘over the counter’ remedies
like paracetamol, aspirin (not children) and ibuprofen or other
anti-inflammatories (not asthmatics)
- Alternate the anti-inflammatories
with the paracetamol but never exceed the recommended doses
- Use decongestants, cough
medicines, lozenges as recommended by your pharmacist
- If you are still hot, get sponged
down with tepid water
- Await natural recovery
WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR
Unfortunately there is not much more the doctor can recommend for
general ‘flu symptoms other than the remedies mentioned but you should
consult your doctor if symptoms such as altered levels of consciousness,
breathlessness or severe chest pain occur and especially if you are very
concerned.
Sometimes during ‘flu when the body’s defences are down a secondary
infection can develop. This is commonly a chest infection caused by
bacteria and is likely to respond to an antibiotic.
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