Influenza: Knowing When to Get Medical Help
04:00Flu Complications You Need to Watch Out For
Most people get the flu and then get over it after just a few days or weeks of experiencing discomfort. For people who have medical conditions or the elderly though, getting the flu can mean experiencing medical complications sometimes. There are even instances when things can get life-threatening.
For instances like these, it is important that one is aware when to get medical assistance. Hundreds die each year due to the complications caused by seasonal flu in the UK. These numbers can be affected by how effective the yearly flu inoculation is as well as the different strains that are around.
Symptoms and treatment
Different strains of influenza can be the cause of the condition. Some people get it by touching something that is infected by the virus and then touching their mouth, nose, and eyes. Others get it by inhalation. Most of the time, symptoms will show after four days.
It is sometimes hard to tell if you have the flu or just a cold. However, the flu tends to be more severe and it comes faster too. Among the most common symptoms that one will experience when having the condition include body and muscle aches, headache, chills, fever, cough, sore throat, and congestion. The symptoms tend to ease up after a week or so and the person will generally feel better. Most people will still, however, feel fatigued and weak, and will probably still cough for longer than a week.
There are certain flu vaccines may be able to prevent some of its strains, but once you are infected. There is really nothing much that you can do about it but just try to ease the symptoms. Over the counter medications such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, and painkillers can be taken along with decongestants and antihistamines. Getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids are advised too. Antibiotics intake needs to be minimal though since the condition is not caused by bacteria, but by a virus.
Who’s at risk
Usually, getting the flue does not mean that you have to see a doctor. The body usually has the ability to fight it off all on its own. However, there are instances when you or your loved ones may have a complication. There are also people who are at greater risk such as newborns and kids below 5 years old, pregnant women, people over the age of 65, those that live in care facilities, those with chronic disease, and those that have weakened immune systems.
Complications that may lead to an emergency
Flue can sometimes cause the lungs to weaken, which makes it susceptible to bacterial infection. This can lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis. Calling your doctor is something that you will definitely need to do if you or a loved one who has the flu experiences persistent chills, persistent fever, cough with blood-stained or yellowish sputum, trouble breathing, pressure and pain in the chest, facial pain, vomiting, or confusion.
Watch the video below to learn more.
If a family or a loved one experience symptoms or signs of flu complication, it is important to seek medical assistance right away. Learn more about how to handle flu complications by reading about Toby Ikwueke online. You can also connect with
1 comments
Thanks for the wonderful tips Dr Toby. Great post!
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