Overview of the Flu
The flu, also called Influenza, is a viral disease that affects the nose, throat and the lungs. It is quite contagious and normally, this disease is not life-threatening. But different strains of the virus might be more potent and cause complications that can potentially lead to death. Of these strains, types A and B are the ones usually responsible for causing an outbreak. Furthermore, flu symptoms are harder to distinguish from other diseases as their symptoms are almost identical.
Causes of Flu
Flu is caused by viruses that spread from one person to the other. It is spread through the cough or sneeze droplets from the infected person. It can also spread if a healthy person touches the objects containing the virus.
Flu Symptoms
The flu can be contracted by everyone, but people over the age of 65 are more vulnerable. Even infants and children under 5 are at risk of contracting this disease. These are some of the most common symptoms of the flu:
- Cough
- Fever accompanied by chills
- Blocked or running nose
- Sore throat
- Body pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Nausea and Vomiting
Other problems associated with Flu
In some cases, flu develops other complications as well. These include:
- Ear infection
- Bronchitis
- Sinus
- Pneumonia
- Encephalitis
In conclusion, these are some of the characteristic influenza symptoms to watch out for. The best treatment for flu is to take the flu shot or vaccine every year as a precautionary measure. But once it infects, the best remedy is to consume enough fluids and get adequate rest.
To know more about causes and symptoms of flu, keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app.
Further Reading:-
| Common Cold | Pneumonia |
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