What is flu?

Influenza, commonly known as "the flu," is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu is most common in winter and early spring.

The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. What is the Difference Between Cold and Flu? Colds and flu are contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract. Although the symptoms can be similar, the flu is much worse. A cold can weigh you down a bit, but even the thought of getting out of bed with the flu can make you shiver. Congestion, sore throat, sneezing, and nasal congestion are symptoms of the common cold. Both the cold and the flu can cause cough, headache, and chest discomfort. However, with the flu, there is a high fever and body aches, fatigue and weakness that last for several days. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly. Generally, complications from a cold are relatively rare, but a case of flu can lead to a life-threatening illness such as pneumonia. More than 100 types of cold viruses are known, and new strains of flu develop every few years.

Antibiotics cannot beat a cold or flu because both diseases are viral. Remember: Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Antiviral medications are available to treat flu. However, there is no medicine that specifically beats the common cold. Antibiotics can only help if there is a secondary bacterial infection.

What are the symptoms of flu?

The most common symptoms of flu are: Sudden appearance of high fever (38°C or more). Dry cough. Body aches (especially in the head, waist and legs). Extreme weakness, fatigue (and not wanting to get out of bed). Other symptoms may include: Tremors Pain behind the eyes Loss of appetite. Sore throat Runny or stuffy nose If you are in contact with someone who has the flu, your chances of getting the flu increase even more.

How to Treat Flu?

Flu symptoms can be improved by: Rest Drinking plenty of fluids Medications for fever or pain Antiviral medications for the flu virus If you are very sick with severe symptoms, a doctor may be consulted. Over-the-counter cough and flu medications should not be given to children under 6 years of age.