Influenza illness is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It usually begins with a fever and cough, which can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, and other complications. The flu vaccine protects against the three types of flu that are most common during an epidemic year: A/H1N1 (swine flu) and B viruses (two strains). Below are some more facts about influenza, its symptoms, prevention, and management.

Diagnosis
To diagnose influenza, your doctor might ask you to describe your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They may also order laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis of the disease. For example, they may request blood work or lung function studies (spirometry) to determine any signs of respiratory distress in your body.

Symptoms
If you have a fever, cough, and sore throat but no other symptoms, it’s probably the flu. If you have more than one severe symptom, including vomiting or diarrhea, it’s best to see a physician. Usually, one may notice additional symptoms such as congestion, fatigue, headache, and chills.

Treatment options
A person with influenza requires sufficient fluids and plenty of rest. Antiviral prescriptions may treat influenza if it has developed into pneumonia or bronchitis. These treatments can take several days before they begin to work, so you must consult a doctor immediately if you have flu symptoms like fever, cough, or sore throat. Antibiotic treatment will not completely help against the flu. Still, antibiotics may be given after 48 hours if the person is extremely ill with pneumonia-like symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing (bronchitis).

Prevention of Influenza
If you get sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus. If you are affected by the flu or another illness that causes fever, cough, and fatigue, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral treatment called oseltamivir (Tamiflu). This prescription can shorten the duration of symptoms by as much as two weeks. Your pharmacist can give you more information about this product if needed. Oseltamivir is taken orally twice daily for seven days; it’s best taken at home to avoid side effects such as nausea or vomiting.

Get vaccinated
Getting the flu is a severe illness that can be deadly for some people. But it’s also a manageable illness if you get vaccinated and take the appropriate steps to avoid it. An infection causes influenza with a virus that spreads from one person to the other through coughing and sneezing. People may also experience muscle aches, diarrhea (often explosive), vomiting, or stomach pain. Influenza vaccination prevents infection with these viruses yearly in people six months and older. Therefore, people should receive two doses of annual influenza vaccine every year during peak season between October and May, including six months and 65 years old. However, those over 65 should receive yearly flu shots instead, but only if they don’t have chronic health conditions preventing them from getting vaccinated regularly, like asthma/COPD, etc.

Conclusion
Flu is a severe disease, so it’s essential to be aware that it can be fatal. The best way to prevent becoming ill is by getting vaccinated every year. You can also avoid becoming infected by staying away from those unwell, washing your hands frequently, and covering your oral passage when coughing or sneezing so others do not contract germs. While the flu is a prevalent disease, it is essential to remember that ignorance might lead to life-threatening complications. So, one must follow the proper treatment methods and get a flu vaccine to avoid getting sick.