Contents:
Medical Video: Influenza (Flu)
1. Definition
Is that a cold?
Flu, or influenza, is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Flu can cause mild to severe pain. Very severe cases of flu can result in hospitalization (hospitalization), even death. Some people, including seniors, children, and patients with certain medical conditions are more susceptible to the risk of flu complications. The best prevention that can be done is to get a flu vaccine each year.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Keep in mind that flu is different from colds. Flu usually comes suddenly. Flu signs and symptoms that you should pay attention to, namely:
- Cold or hot fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Colds or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Tired
- In some cases, flu patients complain of vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children).
2. How to overcome them
What should I do?
Flu viruses can easily spread from one another only at a distance of 2 meters. Many health experts argue that the transmission of the flu virus comes from aerosols (small liquid granules in the air) produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits. These saliva granules can be inhaled or attached to the people around them. Not infrequently, someone contracted the flu virus after touching the surface or an object exposed to the virus, then touching their nose or mouth afterwards.
To avoid transmission, infected people should avoid people around them as much as possible and rest at home if necessary. It is important to always wash your hands frequently with antiseptic water and soap. Or, sterilize your hands with an alcohol-based cleaner. Do not share sheets and cutlery with people infected with flu before washing the items thoroughly. Likewise with items in homes, schools, or offices that are often touched by many people. Clean and sterilize each surface with a disinfectant cleaner.
When do I have to see a doctor?
If you have alarming signs of flu, immediately visit the nearest emergency department. If you have a cold and are susceptible to other flu complications, contact your doctor to consult. If you have visited an emergency room and you have not contracted the flu at that time, you should still check it out. You might catch the flu from people around who have the flu.
Alarming signs of flu in children:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Blue skin
- Less fluid in the body
- Having trouble waking up or interacting
- Fussy until you don't want to be carried
- Flu symptoms increase and high fever and severe cough occur
- Fever followed by a reddish rash
Immediately contact medical help when your baby shows symptoms below:
- Do not want to eat
- Difficulty breathing
- Crying but no tears
- Wetting wetter than usual
Alarming signs of flu in adults:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chest or chest pain feels depressed
- Sudden headache
- Daze
- Throws up
- Flu symptoms increase and high fever and severe cough occur
3. Prevention
Prevention of flu is done by administering an annual influenza vaccine (injection of vaccines or inhaled drugs). That way, you will be more resistant to seasonal flu and reduce the risk of transmission to many people. The more people vaccinated, the less chance the virus can spread.
