What is influenza? Influenza (flu) is a common viral illness that occurs during the winter months in temperate climates. Outbreaks of the infection range from small local outbreaks to nation-wide epidemics or global pandemics in which millions of people become ill and many die from the condition or its complications. What causes influenza and who is at risk? Flu is caused by a group of viruses of which there are three main types, A, B and C, and many subtypes. The infection is spread from person to person by droplets from coughing and sneezing. It can also be spread by hand contact through droplets from the nose on the hands. People suffering with flu are infectious for one to two weeks from the time they first get symptoms. If a person exposed to influenza is going to develop the condition they will do so within 2 - 3 days. Although flu occurs most commonly in children, the elderly are most likely to suffer serious complications of the infection. The illness is also worse in people with diabetes, heart disease or chronic (long term) lung or kidney disease and in people whose immune systems are suppressed (such as those with AIDS). What are the common symptoms and complications of influenza? The commonest symptoms of flu are: Sudden fever along with nasal stuffiness general aches and pains muscle weakness, loss of appetite nausea and sometimes vomiting often also a harsh, dry cough The most common complications are inflammation of the airways in the lungs (tracheitis and bronchitis) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) caused by infection with bacteria, which follows the influenza viral infection. Flu can also aggravate conditions such as asthma. Rarely flu can cause heart problems and inflammation of the brain and nerves, which have more serious consequences. In children flu is a cause of croup (swelling and obstruction of the airway in the throat leading to breathing difficulty) and febrile convulsions (fits due to high fever). Can I prevent influenza? You can help keep your immune system fighting fit all year long. Washing your hands frequently will reduce your chance of catching the flu virus from another person who has the infection. Flu vaccination is recommended for people who are at high risk of severe symptoms or complications or whose work involves caring for people at high risk. What is the treatment for influenza? Self- care action plan You can help yourself to feel better by treating your symptoms. Bed rest is recommended until the fever has subsided Drink lots of fluids and if you don't feel like eating for a few days, make sure you eat healthy food as soon as possible Inhaling steam can help clear mucus from your nose and sinuses Drinking warm water with honey and lemon may help to ease a sore throat Avoid alcohol. It reduces your body's ability to fight the infection If you have a chronic (prolonged) disease, such as chronic bronchitis, see your doctor as soon as you develop flu symptoms If you have asthma and adjusting your regular medication according to your treatment plan is not controlling it during this time, see your doctor Medicines Take paracetamol for your pain and fever If you have a sore throat, try lozenges or a mouth gargle with aspirin or a local anaesthetic A dry cough may be relieved with a cough suppressant available from chemists and supermarkets For a runny nose, try a decongestant Relenza is a new treatment that has been shown to reduce both symptoms and the duration of flu. It is taken by oral inhalation, twice daily for five days.
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