FLU

FLU AND URI

We’re in this season of the year again. As the weather gets colder, more and more people are getting sick with influenza (flu) and other upper respiratory infections (URIs).

But what is the difference between the two? How will we know whether we caught the flu or another infection?

Here are some of the key facts.

What is causing the infection?

Flu is caused by influenza viruses. URI, on the other hand, can be caused by either a virus (mostly) or bacteria.

Some types of acute URI are rhinitis (the common cold), pharyngitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.

What are the symptoms?

It’s difficult to tell right away if one has the flu or URI because both share many symptoms. Flu symptoms are usually systemic and worse, while those caused by URI are mostly milder and they only affect the upper respiratory tract which includes the nose, throat, and sometimes lungs.

These are the symptoms:

Fever of feeling feverish
Cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Fatigue
Sneezing
Muscle or body aches
Red eyes
Swollen lymph nodes
Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea (for flu: more common in children than adults)

When do the symptoms usually start?

The time from when a person is exposed and infected with flu to when symptoms begin is about 2 days, but can range from about 1 to 4 days. Typically, it lasts for 2-8 days.

For URI, it’s usually within 3 days from exposure, then lasts 7-10 days. Sometimes symptoms may persist for up to 3 weeks.

How can it be transmitted?

Both flu and URIs are highly contagious. They are mainly spread by airborne droplets either sneezed or coughed, or by touching contaminated surfaces.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can catch flu and URI, even healthy people. However, some are at a higher risk of contracting the infection and may develop serious complications. They are:

People 65 years and older
Children younger than 5 years
Those with chronic medical conditions, like diabetes, asthma, heart diseases
Those with weak immune system, like those with HIV, undergoing cancer treatments, and those on long-term use of steroids
Pregnant women
Obese people

How can they be prevented?

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Clean and disinfect those frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school.
Practice good health habits: get enough sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, be physically active, and manage stress.
Keep up with routine checkups and immunizations. Vaccines like that for flu and pneumonia help reduce the burden of illnesses, hospitalizations and even deaths.

How can they be treated?

In most cases, flu and URIs are mild and are self-limited, you may only need at-home remedies to feel better.
Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) can alleviate the fever, headache or body aches.
Nasal decongestants can help reduce symptoms such as cough and congestion. They may also be used in combination with antihistamines to help with symptom relief.
Steam inhalation and gargling with salt water can help relieve sore throat.
Getting more sleep is also important in boosting our immunity.
Drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration.
Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication that can relieve your symptoms and shorten the duration and severity of your illness; however, this needs to be started within 48 hours of symptom onset and is often only prescribed to individuals at high risk for developing complications from the flu or those experience severe symptoms. If you have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, you’ll take antibiotics.

When should you contact your healthcare provider or seek medical help?

If you have any of the following:

symptoms lasting longer than 2 weeks.
worsening symptoms, or if you are at high risk for complications.
dizziness or loss of consciousness.
high fever (higher than 103 F)
rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
frequent, severe coughing, which may come with vomiting.
wheezing
Retractions, when you see a deeper outline of your ribcage or ribs than you normally do. (This sign may be more obvious in children).
Stridor, a harsh raspy vibrating when you breathe in that sometimes sounds like a seal. (Stridor is more common in children than adults).

The flu season is said to peak in December and may last until May. Let’s all be prepared and take the necessary steps to protect ourselves against these respiratory illnesses.

Call the office today to get a flu shot.