Fighting the Flu

Though influenza, or the flu, is present all year round, it typically peaks during colder months. So if you’re soon to leave for a holiday in your colder home country, consider getting vaccinated; it’ll give you a better chance of celebrating happily and

How does the flu normally spread?

The droplets created when an infected person sneezes or coughs can spread the infectious illness; it can also be caught by touching a surface where the virus has been deposited.

What are the symptoms?

Flu symptoms can include: Fever Fatigue Muscle or body aches Dry cough Sore throat Sneezing Runny or stuffy nose Headache Nausea

Symptoms typically appear within one to four days of being infected, and can be at their worst in the first few days; even adults who are young and fit can feel ill enough to need to go to bed. Most people recover within three to seven days, but it can sometimes take up to two weeks to recover completely. It’s common to have an irritating cough that may persist for a week or so after other symptoms have gone. But don’t confuse the flu with the common cold – flu symptoms tend to have a more sudden onset and can last longer than those of the common cold, which is caused by a different group of viruses.

How can the flu be treated?

The immune system usually clears the virus on its own, so treatment is largely aimed at easing symptoms until the infection settles, and to prevent complications, rather than treating the virus itself. Though antiviral medicines do not cure flu or offer long-term protection, they are sometimes used to reduce the risk of developing complications, and can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by a day or two.

Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for viral illnesses such as flu or flu-like illnesses, as they kill bacteria, not viruses. However, they may be used if a complication caused by bacteria develops, such as a chest infection or pneumonia.

What’s the usual period of contagiousness?

Adults may be able to pass on the flu to others before they know they are sick, as well as while they’re unwell. Most healthy adults can be infectious one day before symptoms develop, and up to five to seven days after. Children and people with weaker immune systems may remain infectious for longer.

What precautions should be taken to avoid the spread of the flu?

In addition to avoiding unnecessary contact with others while unwell, the spread of influenza can be prevented by good hygiene methods including: Washing hands regularly with soap and warm water; Cleaning surfaces such as your computer keyboard, telephone and door handles to get rid of germs; Using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and placing used tissues in a bin as soon as possible. Of course, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Who should get vaccinated, and how often?

The flu vaccination is recommended annually to stay protected, as the viruses that cause the flu change every year. People particularly at risk of the flu include those over the age of 65, pregnant women, and children and adults with underlying health conditions (especially long-term heart or lung disease), weakened immune systems, asthma and diabetes.

Does the vaccination have any side effects?

The influenza vaccine is very safe. Mild side effects include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever and body aches. Only about one to two percent of people who receive a flu vaccination will have fever as a side effect; these symptoms generally last one to two days and then fully resolve.

“Antibiotics are not routinely prescribed for viral illnesses such as flu or flulike illnesses, as they kill bacteria, not viruses.”