It’s Flu season – be prepared
by Dr Marelize Vlok
What is the flu?
The flu is an infection that can cause fever, cough, body aches and other symptoms. The most common type of flu is the “seasonal” flu. There are different forms of seasonal flu, for example, “type A” and “type B”.
All forms of the flu are caused by viruses. The medical term for the flu in “influenza”.
What are the most common flu symptoms?
All forms of the flu can cause:
- Fever (temperature higher than 37.8’C)
- Extreme tiredness
- Headache or body aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
Flu symptoms can come on very suddenly.
Is the flu dangerous?
It can be. Most people get over the flu on their own, without any lasting problems. But some people need to go to the hospital because of the flu. And some people even die from it. This is because the flu can cause a serious lung infection called pneumonia. That’s why it’s important to keep from getting flu in the first place.
People at higher risk of getting very sick from the flu include:
- People 65 or older
- Very young children
- Pregnant women
- People with certain other medical problems
Is there a test for flu?
Yes. There are tests for the flu. In most cases, your doctor can tell if you have the flu by your symptoms. But in some cases- for example, if you are at risk for having other problems caused by the flu-your doctor might do a test (nasal swab) for flu.
How can I protect myself from the flu?
You can:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol hand rubs
- Stay away from people you know are sick – at least 1.5metres
- Get the flu vaccine every year– Some years the flu vaccine is more effective than others. But even in years when it is less effective, it still helps prevent some cases of the flu. It can also keep you from getting severely ill if you do get the flu.
What should I do if I get the flu?
If you think you have the flu, stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. You can also take paracetamol of NSAIDS to relieve fever and aches.
Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome.
Most people with the flu get better on their own within 1-2 weeks.
You should see your doctor of nurse if you:
- Have trouble breathing or are short of breath
- Feel pain or pressure in your chest or bell
- Get suddenly dizzy
- Feel confused
- Have severe vomiting
Take your child to the doctor if he or she:
- Starts breathing fast or has trouble breathing
- Starts to turn blue or purple
- Is not drinking enough fluids
- Will not wake up or will not interact with you
- Is so unhappy that he or she does not want to be held
- Gets better from the flu but then gets sick again with a fever or cough
- Has a fever with a rash
Do not go to work or school until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours, without taking medicine such as paracetamol. Always cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
Can the flu be treated?
Yes, people the flu can be treated with medicines called antivirals. These medicines can help people avoid some of the problems caused by flu and reduce the duration of illness. Not every person with the flu needs antivirals, but some people do. Antibiotics do not work for flu. Antiviral medications can be given to high risk people as prophylaxis.
What if I am pregnant?
The flu can be very dangerous for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, it is very important that you get the flu vaccine. You should also avoid taking care of anyone who has the flu.
If you are pregnant, call your doctor right away if:
- You might have been near someone with the flu.
- You think you might be coming down with the flu. In pregnant women, the symptoms of the flu can get worse very quickly. The flu can even cause trouble breathing or lead to death of the woman or her baby. That is why it is so important that you talk to a doctor as soon as you notice any of the flu symptoms listed above. You will need an antiviral medicine if you are pregnant and have the flu.
How long am I infectious after the Flu?
Influenza is spread by droplets in cough / sneezing. You stay infectious for up to 5 days after the last fever symptoms.