Årets Influensa

Influensa (The Flu): Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

What is influenza?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It's commonly known as the flu. The flu can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases, it can lead to death. The flu is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk.

The flu is most common during the winter months, but it can occur at any time of year. The flu virus can change from year to year, so it's important to get a flu vaccine every year to protect yourself from the most recent strains of the virus.

Symptoms of the flu

The symptoms of the flu can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Chills
• Nausea and vomiting (more common in children)

Complications of the flu

In most cases, the flu is a mild illness, but it can sometimes lead to serious complications, such as:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Sinusitis
• Ear infections
• Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart)
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Death

Preventing the flu

The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine is safe and effective, and it can help protect you from the flu virus. In addition to getting a flu vaccine, there are other things you can do to help prevent the flu, such as:

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Staying home from work or school if you're sick
• Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

Treating the flu

There is no cure for the flu, but there are some things you can do to treat the symptoms and help yourself feel better. Some of the most common treatments for the flu include:

• Rest
• Fluids
• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Antiviral medications

If you have the flu, it's important to stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus to others. You should also call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• A fever that lasts for more than three days
• A cough that is severe or lasts for more than two weeks
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts for more than two days
• Seizures
• A change in mental status