Influenza and flu-like illness

Many viruses can cause a flu-like illness. There is usually a seasonal outbreak of flu (influenza) each winter. Common flu symptoms in adults and older children include a high temperature, aches and pains in muscles and joints, a cough and various other symptoms.

What are flu and flu-like illnesses?

Flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are three types of influenza virus - A, B and C, of which A and B cause most of the cases of flu. Swine flu is caused by a strain of influenza A virus which is called H1N1v. It seems to affect children and young adults more commonly than those over the age of 60 years. Most people with this type of flu have a mild flu-like illness. You are more likely to have sickness and/or diarrhoea with this type of flu. Bird flu (avian influenza) is different and is more serious.

Flu treatment

Your immune system will usually clear viruses that cause flu (influenza) and flu-like illnesses. Treatment aims to ease symptoms until the infection goes, and to prevent complications.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent lack of fluid in the body (dehydration). It is best not to smoke. Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen can lower your temperature and ease aches and pains. Decongestant drops, throat lozenges and saline nasal drops may be helpful to ease nose and throat symptoms.

Antiviral medicines

Antiviral medicines are sometimes used. Antiviral medicines do not kill the virus, but interfere with the way the virus multiplies. If you do not have an antiviral medicine, you are still likely to make a full recovery. However, antiviral medicines may reduce the risk of developing complications in certain high-risk patients. They may also reduce the severity and duration of symptoms by a day or two.

Antibiotic medicines

Antibiotics kill germs called bacteria, but not viruses. Therefore, they are not routinely prescribed for viral illnesses such as flu or flulike illnesses. However, they may be used if a complication develops, like a chest infection caused by a germ (bacterium) or pneumonia.

Consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

This article is for informative purposes only. Please see your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Questions can be forwarded to questions@walkindoctor.co.za.

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