Flu is an acute, contagious viral illness that mostly heals spontaneously. However, complications can occur, particularly in people with chronic illnesses or aged 65 or over.
Flu is the most common adult illness and can be prevented by vaccination.
An overview of what you’ll find:
Flu causes 4-50 million symptomatic cases a year in the EU and 15,000-7,000 European citizens die each year from flu-related complications.
It is caused by the influenza virus and mainly causes respiratory symptoms. It is usually a short-term illness, with complete recovery taking around 1 to 2 weeks.
In adults and older children, it is manifested by the sudden onset of malaise, high fever (39-40ºC), headaches, muscle and joint pain. In babies, fever and prostration are the most common manifestations. Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and respiratory symptoms (laryngitis, bronchiolitis) are common in children.
How is the flu transmitted?
The greatest flu activity is observed between the months of December and February (winter). The virus is easily transmitted, predominantly via droplets of saliva and also aerosols, released through coughing and sneezing, or indirectly via secretions from the respiratory tract on hands, handkerchiefs, contaminated surfaces, etc.
It is extremely difficult to avoid being infected, and as it is a virus that is transmitted by aerosols (sneezing and coughing), it is best to prevent it by wearing a mask.
Vaccination and the flu
Viruses are constantly changing and the immunity caused by the vaccine is not long-lasting, so people should get vaccinated every year. Vaccination is
Vaccination starts in October and should preferably be done by the end of the year. The vaccine can be administered throughout the fall and winter.
Who should get vaccinated?
Flu vaccination is strongly recommended for:
- People aged 60 and over;
- Chronically ill (asthma, diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease) and immunosuppressed (from 6 months of age);
- Pregnant women;
- Health professionals and other caregivers (e.g. nursing homes).
What to do in case of flu?
- Stay at home and rest;
- If you have a fever and are uncomfortable, you can take paracetamol;
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take medication without talking to your doctor;
- Use saline solution to treat nasal obstruction;
- Drink plenty of fluids;
- Antibiotics do not act on viral infections, so they do not improve symptoms or speed up the cure of the flu.
Flu and Covid 19
Unfortunately, many flu symptoms can be similar to those of Covid, which can be confusing when you fall ill; in the overwhelming majority of cases, a simple rapid test will tell you whether you have Covid 19 or not.
There is also the risk of contracting both viruses at the same time, which also represents a greater risk of overloading the immune system (defenses) and the health services.
FAQ
Should I call a doctor at home if I have flu?
Seeing a doctor at home doesn’t depend on the virus itself, but on how you feel. The virus load and the immune system of each individual will cause the symptoms to manifest differently.
If you really feel prostrate and after taking medication you still don’t feel any improvement, then seeing the doctor at home is definitely the best solution for a personalized assessment and action.