Influenza

What exactly is influenza?

Influenza is caused by an RNA virus that infects the respiratory tract and is spread by saliva droplets or direct contact. The influenza virus replicates within the tract, spreading its damage to your body’s host cells.

The influenza virus can be divided into three types: type A, B and C. C is the mildest of the three and rarely leads to serious consequences. Types A and B are more serious, with A being the most severe of the two. New strains of these viruses evolve every few years and can spread very quickly across the globe. The most virulent forms of the virus in recent years, swine flu and avian flu, are both caused by type A.

Is influenza serious?

Most people’s immune systems are strong enough to resist the virus, and although they may experience some unpleasant symptoms, most people will recover within a week, with a few symptoms persisting for longer. People with existing conditions, such as asthma, pulmonary disease, cancer, and those who are pregnant, very young or very old, could be at serious risk. Influenza can leave these people susceptible to a serious infection, such as pneumonia, which could be potentially fatal.

Risk groups should seek an effective form of influenza treatment or prevention to protect themselves against the virus. Others can also benefit from treatment and reduce the severity of their symptoms as well as speed up recovery time.

What are the symptoms of influenza?

Flu symptoms are usually abrupt and develop quite quickly, these symptoms include:

• Headache
• Tiredness
• Fever (usually high) and chills
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches

What’s the difference between having a cold and having the flu?

It’s important to know the difference between having a cold, which is not very serious, and having the flu, which can be very serious. Symptoms of flu develop very quickly, while the symptoms of a cold will develop more slowly. A cough is usually the first symptom of flu, but without stuffiness. A cold will usually start with a blocked or runny nose, or sore throat. If you have a cold, you do not need to use an influenza treatment.

What treatment options are there?

Those who aren’t in a risk group can recover naturally from influenza. Bed rest and plenty of fluids is recommended while the body attacks the symptoms naturally. Over-the-counter medications can be used to alleviate the symptoms, such as runny nose and a sore throat, and are widely available to buy from pharmacies. An influenza treatment can be used to speed up recovery and reduce the severity of uncomfortable symptoms.

What prescription influenza treatments are there?

Tamiflu is the most widely prescribed influenza treatment and can be taken by anyone over the age of one. Tamiflu is comprised of the active ingredient oseltamivir, which works by preventing the virus from spreading. It’s recommended for two groups of people: those who are experiencing the early symptoms can take the medication to speed up their recovery by one to two days and to make the symptoms less severe. Tamiflu can also be taken by people who have come into contact with someone who has the virus and are concerned that they may develop the virus.