Flu. It is literally a cold worse than a cold. Commonly known as influenza, this flu is a disease caused by the influenza virus, and rather than rather localized symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, etc. of common cold symptoms, systemic symptoms along with high fever, headache, and muscle pain appear more prominent. The incidence rate is high mainly from the end of November to the end of February when the weather is cold.
The cause of influenza is a virus that has mutated and mutated with antigens to which we have not yet responded, and which spreads rapidly among people, causing a pandemic.
Of course, the initial symptoms can be more severe than a common cold, and the symptoms can vary depending on the immunity we have and the extent of the infection. There may be chills and high fever along with fatigue, and symptoms of general muscle pain along with headache may last for several days. Of course, they are also accompanied by symptoms such as a cough and runny nose along with a sore throat. In particular, young children, pregnant women, people with underlying diseases with reduced immunity, and the elderly may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Differentiating the flu from COVID-19 may not be easy for the public. If you have flu symptoms, proceed with a rapid antigen test through differential symptoms and smear test, RT-PCR test, culture test, etc.
Before treating the complex symptoms of the flu, getting enough rest, sleep, and stability is the priority of the treatment. If patients are at high risk of complications, it is recommended to receive antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir and zanamivir. Even if you are not a high-risk patient, if you have already developed complications or severe symptoms, it is recommended to give antiviral drugs from the beginning of the diagnosis. However, when aspirin is given to children under the age of 18 as an analgesic and antipyretic drug, there is a risk of ‘Reye’s syndrome’ (liver function disorders such as increased brain pressure, increased blood ammonia, and blood clotting time long due to mitochondrial.function damage caused by viral infection)’ Caution is needed.
In most cases, symptoms of fever and chills are accompanied by 2 to 3 days, and most symptoms improve after about 1 week. However, a residual cough can last for several weeks. If treatment is delayed, death can result from complications such as pneumonia. Therefore, it is recommended that patients infected with the flu pay more attention to wearing masks and washing their hands according to personal hygiene to prevent transmission, even to themselves and their families.
Of course, it is recommended to get the flu vaccine as a preventative measure beforehand. It takes about 2 more weeks for antibodies to develop after receiving the vaccine. Colds, flu and COVID-19 are all transmitted through droplet infection caused by coughing and sneezing and close contact with patients, but symptoms vary slightly depending on individual immunity.
If you have problems with your sense of taste and smell, you can suspect Corona 19, and if you have symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and muscle pain, you can collect the flu. However, before this, it is necessary to diagnose and treat by a specialist, and prevent infection to family members.
The most important mindset in personal quarantine is the idea that I have to protect my health, my loved ones, and my friends and colleagues who live with me. Preventing flu epidemics, ‘my hygiene first’ is the first step.
