Influenza (Influenza) spreads a lot during the rainy season (June – October) and winter (January – March) every year. Influenza has more severe symptoms and is more likely to cause complications and death than the general flu.
Know about influenza
Influenza is caused by infection with the Influenza virus (Influenza Virus). There are enough types of this virus to be able to separate influenza in humans into 2 large groups:
influenza infection
Influenza infection is similar to the common cold, in that it is spread by breathing in droplets from the nose, saliva, and phlegm of a person who is coughing or sneezing. and touching hands or using various appliances with the patient, such as towels, drinking glasses, telephones, toys, television remotes. When you use your hands to rub your eyes or pick your nose, germs can easily enter our body.
flu symptoms
In general, the flu tends to have more severe symptoms than the common cold. This can be observed from symptoms that usually occur suddenly. Unlike the common cold, symptoms usually occur gradually. And the important thing is Influenza usually involves a high fever for several days in a row. Especially in children, the fever will be higher than 39 – 40 degrees Celsius for 3 – 4 days in a row. Chills may also be present. While the common cold may have a fever but not very high. In addition, older children and adults often have muscle aches. extremely tired and loss of appetite is a major symptom.
One of the horrors of influenza is Complications of the disease include pneumonia and encephalitis. This usually occurs in people at risk, namely young children, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and AIDS. You should see a doctor immediately when you know you have the flu.
Taking care of the flu
Caring for influenza patients Most will recover on their own. If symptoms are mild, you may take care of yourself at home and treat according to the symptoms. For example, when you have a high fever, use a cloth moistened with water to wipe yourself and use paracetamol to reduce fever. Avoid using aspirin. Or if you have mucus, use mucus reducer and mucus thinner. Drink enough water Eat soft foods and get plenty of sleep. Do not exercise.
If the symptoms do not improve within 3 days, such as a very high fever, delirium, lethargy, wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, dehydration and not drinking enough fluids You should immediately see a doctor. Because there may be complications or it may be caused by other diseases.
Prevent influenza
Even the flu can be life-threatening. But if we are aware and protect ourselves Influenza is no longer a scary disease.