The Flu caused by Influenza Viruses

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Influenza can be difficult to diagnose because its most visible symptoms (fever, cough, aches) are similar to many other common illnesses. Healthcare providers have several different ways to determine if a patient has the flu. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests can detect influenza in under 30 minutes, using swabs or samples of secretions taken from a patient’s nose or throat.

Most Common Flu Symptoms

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• fever

• cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• body aches

• headache

• chills

• fatigue

• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Flu can be spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby most experts says. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.

This illness can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu-related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions (like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing) to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.

It is very difficult to distinguish flu from other viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses based on symptoms alone. There are tests available to diagnose flu. See your nearest  Doctor.

Thanks for reading!

source: CDC