What’s the flu?

Fever, upset abdomen, diarrhea, sore throat, chills, coughing, sneezing and headache all could make you’re feeling depressing. And whenever you’re not feeling nicely, it generally will be laborious to know precisely what’s flawed and how one can assist your self really feel higher.

With flu season approaching, this can be a good time to have a look at the signs of what’s—and isn’t—the flu.

Frequent chilly

A runny or stuffy nostril, sneezing, congestion, headache and sore throat probably herald the frequent chilly. This viral an infection of your nostril and throat often is innocent, though it won’t really feel that method.

Whereas there isn’t any treatment for the frequent chilly, most individuals get higher with out remedy―often inside per week to 10 days. Antibiotics aren’t efficient towards viruses, and overusing them can contribute to the event of antibiotic-resistant strains of micro organism.

Life-style and residential cures for symptom aid embrace loads of fluids and relaxation. There are execs and cons to generally used chilly cures, reminiscent of over-the-counter ache relievers, decongestants, nasal sprays and cough syrups.

Viral gastroenteritis, or abdomen flu

What many individuals name the flu is definitely viral gastroenteritis, or abdomen flu. Attribute signs embrace diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps and ache. Signs often final only a day or two, however sometimes they could persist so long as 10 days.

There’s usually no particular medical remedy for viral gastroenteritis. Self-care measures might help with symptom aid, although. Get loads of relaxation and let your abdomen settle by avoiding strong meals for a number of hours. As an alternative, suck on ice chips or take small sips of water. Then ease again into consuming with a bland weight-reduction plan. If nausea returns, cease consuming once more. Keep away from meals reminiscent of dairy merchandise, caffeine, and fatty or extremely seasoned meals till you’re feeling higher.

Influenza

Influenza is the true flu. It is is a viral an infection that assaults your respiratory system, together with your nostril, throat and lungs. At first, the flu might seem to be a typical chilly with a runny nostril, sneezing and sore throat. However colds often develop slowly; whereas, the flu tends to return on immediately. And though a chilly is usually a hassle, you often really feel a lot worse with the flu.

For most individuals, the flu resolves by itself. However generally the flu and its issues will be lethal. Folks at greater danger of growing flu issues embrace younger kids, pregnant girl and people two weeks postpartum, individuals over 65, individuals with weakened immune programs and a few persistent sicknesses, and people who find themselves overweight.

Often, you will want nothing greater than relaxation and loads of fluids to deal with the flu. However when you’ve got a extreme an infection or are at greater danger of issues, your well being care supplier might prescribe an antiviral drug to deal with the flu.

In contrast to the frequent chilly and abdomen flu, there’s a vaccine for the flu. Whereas it is not 100% efficient, getting vaccinated for the flu can scale back your danger of changing into contaminated with the flu, and reduce its severity and decrease your danger of hospitalization in case you are contaminated. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everybody 6 months and older, with uncommon exceptions. Vaccination is your greatest protection towards the flu.

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