Influenza, known as flu, is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by viruses. Influenza is different from a cold. The flu often starts suddenly, and one or more of the following symptoms may be seen;

• Feverish or feeling feverish (The person with the flu may not have a high fever every day.)
• Coughing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Runny nose
• Body pain, malaise
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting and diarrhea in some people, often seen in children

Complications That May Develop Due to Influenza

Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, and ear infections may occur. The flu can cause chronic health problems. For example, people with asthma may have an asthma attack at the time of the flu. Attacks can develop in people with chronic congestive heart failure.

Who is at High Risk of Developing Complications Due to Influenza?

Many people are at risk when they get the flu. However, some people are at higher risk of:

• ● Persons over 65 years of age,
  ● People with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease,
  ● Pregnant women and children up to two years of age,
  ● People using immunosuppressants,
  ● Between 6 months and 18 years of age and long-term aspirin use,
  ● Healthcare workers,
  ● Workers and residents in public areas,

Protection from the Flu

• Vaccination of particularly high-risk persons
• Washing hands
• Keeping away from sick people and crowds
• Avoiding close contact with sick people.
• When you have a flu-like illness, you should rest at home.
• When you are sick, contact with other people should be limited as much as possible so as not to transmit the disease.
• During sneezing and coughing, the nose and mouth should be covered with a tissue and the tissue used should be thrown into the trash.
• Hands should be washed frequently with soap and water.
• Contamination of the mouth, nose, and eyes with dirty hands should be avoided.
• Surfaces should be cleaned frequently.

What to Do When You Have the Flu

• Early antiviral therapy (first 48 hours) prevents influenza.
• If your symptoms become severe (shortness of breath, chest pain, blurred consciousness, high fever, cough, etc.), consult a physician and use the necessary medications according to your needs.
• Antibiotics do not treat influenza; therefore, do not use antibiotics without the advice of your physician.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Limit contact with other people as much as possible to avoid transmitting the disease.
• When sneezing and coughing, cover the nose and mouth with a tissue and throw the used tissue into the trash can. If there is no tissue, cover the mouth and nose with the inside of the arm.

Washing Hands

Washing your hands often will help protect you from the disease. Wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-containing hand sanitizers. Rub your hands with disinfectant for 15-20 seconds with water and soap for 1-1.5 minutes. Alcohol wipes can be used in the absence of soap and water.