Flu (Influenza)

The influenza virus causes the flu, a common respiratory infection that affects people. Fever, body aches, coughing, and stuffy or runny nose are among the symptoms that are frequently present. If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are pregnant, you run the chance of experiencing severe problems. The way to protect against.

The respiratory system includes the nose, throat, and lungs, which are all affected by the flu (influenza). Although influenza is frequently referred to as the flu, it differs from stomach "flu" viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Most flu sufferers recover on their own. But occasionally, influenza and its side effects might be fatal. Those who are more likely to experience flu complications include:

little kids < 2 years old

adults who are above 65

Residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes

People with weaker immune systems Pregnant women or those planning pregnancies during flu season

Native Alaskans or American Indians

Chronically unwell individuals, including those with diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, asthma, and other diseases

individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more

Although the annual flu shot isn't 100% effective, it lowers the risk of developing serious infection-related consequences.

Symptoms Of Flu

Flu, often known as influenza, can sometimes result in death and cause mild to severe disease. Symptoms of the flu typically appear out of nowhere. People who have the flu frequently experience any or all of the following symptoms:

Fever* or chills

headaches

muscle or body aches

sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

weariness (tiredness) (tiredness)

Vomiting and diarrhea are prevalent in some persons, but more so in kids than in adults.

It's crucial to remember that not everyone who has the flu will have a fever.

Is The Flu Spreadable?

Yes, the flu is spreadable (it spreads from person to person). They spread the virus to one to two more people for each person who contracts it.

What Causes Influenza?

The influenza virus, which is the causative agent, gives the flu its name. It spreads when infected droplets from coughing or sneezing are breathed in by other individuals. The droplets can also fall on objects like shopping carts or doorknobs, infecting anyone who touches them.

Beginning a day before symptoms appear and continuing up to 5 to 7 days after becoming ill, you can spread the flu before you even realize you are sick. Some people may be able to spread an infection for even longer periods of time, particularly small children and those with compromised immune systems.

Children's Flu Symptoms

Children and adolescents who are in school exhibit flu symptoms that are comparable to those in adults. Between 103°F and 105°F, children often have greater body temperatures than adults. Since flu symptoms are so similar to those of other viral infections, it can be difficult to diagnose flu in preschoolers and newborns.

Please get in touch with a doctor right once if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms and there is a flu outbreak nearby.

Risks Of The Flu

For someone who is at high risk, influenza is an extremely serious sickness. Several illnesses put persons at high risk include:

Chronic lung conditions such cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, COPD, and asthma

heart condition

long-term kidney disease

A persistent metabolic disease such as diabetes

severe obesity

extreme anemia (including sickle cell anemia)

Immune-suppressing conditions (HIV, AIDS) or medications (steroids, chemotherapy)

liver problems

Children and teenagers who are taking aspirin for a prolonged period of time

When To Visit A Doctor

The majority of people who contract the flu can take care of themselves at home and frequently don't need to visit a doctor.

Consult your healthcare professional (dietitian+2348137323444) straight away if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and could develop complications. Antiviral medication may help you feel better faster and avoid developing more serious issues.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience flu emergency symptoms. Adults may experience the following emergency signs:

respiratory issues or lack of breath

chest pain

persistent dizziness

Seizures

existing medical issues getting worse

muscular ache or extreme weakness

Children may exhibit the following emergency signs:

breathing challenges

Depending on skin tone, pale, gray, or blue nail beds, lips, or skin

an ache in the chest

Dehydration

painful muscles

Seizures

the deterioration of current medical issues

How Is The Flu Diagnosed?

By observing your symptoms and analyzing a sample of nasal secretions, your doctor can determine whether you have the flu. For the purpose of testing for influenza, they will insert a long stick with a soft tip (swab) into your nose. Your provider may send the sample to a lab, where you will receive results in a day or two, or the results could take a few minutes.

Complications

The flu virus itself can be problematic or it can compromise your immune system and make it easier for bacteria to spread throughout your body (secondary infection). Subsidiary infections and complications include:

infections in the ears.

sinus infections.

severe lung infection (pneumonia).

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other potentially fatal diseases can develop as a result of pneumonia.

loss of pregnancy (miscarriage).

NTDs in the growing fetus of a pregnant woman.

Dietary Management

When you or a loved one has the flu, eating could be the last thing you feel like doing. With the flu, it's certainly acceptable to eat a little less because you probably have a smaller appetite.

While recovering, you'll still need to eat the correct foods to give you energy and nutrition.

Continue reading to find out more about what you should and shouldn't consume while suffering from the seasonal flu.

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1. Keep hydrated.

With the flu, dehydration is simple to develop. You lose water through sweat when you have a fever in addition to eating and drinking less and generally consuming less water.

However, maintaining hydration supports healthy bodily function in general. Additionally, fluids might relieve congestion.

Water is the best hydrating beverage, hands down. It also helps your body naturally cleanse. You can also drink: if you don't like water or want something with more flavor.

herbal tea with honey and lemon tea with ginger in it (mix equal parts with hot water)

entirely juices (look for products without added sugars)

If you're dehydrated, low-sugar sports drinks or other liquids with electrolytes, like Pedialyte, may also be an option. Pedialyte should only be consumed as directed by your physician, though.

Vomiting and diarrhea are signs that may require the administration of electrolytes even though they are not typical of the seasonal flu.

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2. Dietary Options

The energy and nutrients that your body needs to function come from food. When you have the flu, such impacts are just as crucial. Nevertheless, the key is choosing the correct nutrients for your health.

If you have the flu, take into account eating these meals.

Broth

Broth is among the greatest foods to consume when you have the flu, whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetables. Until you are entirely well, you can eat it as soon as symptoms appear.

In addition to resolving congestion and soothing a scratchy throat, broth helps prevent dehydration.

Chicken Soup

When you're unwell, chicken soup is typically thought of as a comfort food. It can be simple to stomach when you're feeling under the weather, despite the fact that it isn't enough scientific evidence to support its therapeutic abilities.

Even yet, chicken soup has some advantages. To avoid dehydration, the broth is a good supply of fluids and electrolytes. The chicken gives your body zinc and protein. In addition, carrots, celery, and onions are good sources of vitamin C and antioxidants come from herbs.

Garlic

Garlic has been utilized in alternative medicine for many years, despite the fact that you may only think of it as a food flavoring. Despite the paucity of evidence, one studyTrusted Source showed that persons with the flu who took garlic supplements had improved immunity and experienced fewer severe symptoms.

But you're not required to take vitamins with garlic. Garlic eaten raw may have additional advantages.

Fruits And Vegetables Rich In Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a crucial component that can help strengthen your immune system, which is crucial while you're unwell.

Your body absorbs nutrients from meals, such as vitamin C, more efficiently. Vitamin C-rich foods include:

a green or red pepper

orange juice or oranges

citrus fruit juice

kiwi\sbroccoli

A vitamin C supplement is also an option.

Leafy green

When you have the flu, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens can also help strengthen your immune system. They are excellent suppliers of nutrients that support the immune system, such as vitamins A, C, E, and K.

Leafy greens can be eaten raw with a splash of lemon and olive oil or as an addition to a fruit smoothie.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse that your body may use to its advantage if you're sick with the flu. Vitamins C and E, calcium, and fiber are all immune-boosting nutrients that can be found in just one meal.

Broccoli can be consumed alone or added to soup; just be aware of the sodium content.

Spices

Spices like ginger and turmeric, which you can include in your diet, can help reduce symptoms. These herbs and spices have anti-inflammatory qualities that can relieve congestion. Think about using them in tea or warm water with lemon.

Horseradish and hot peppers can also help clear sinus passages and reduce mucus production.

Preventative Measures

Perhaps just as crucial as knowing what to eat is knowing what foods to avoid when sick with the flu. Avoid eating or drinking the following things if you have the flu:

Alcohol. Dehydration results from this, which weakens your immune system.

drinks with caffeine. You can become more dehydrated by consuming things like coffee, black tea, and soda. Furthermore, a lot of these drinks could have sugar.

processed meals. The more processed a product is, whether it's made from scratch or from a fast food chain, the fewer nutrients it contains. It's critical to support your body's efforts to cure itself while you have the flu by eating full, wholesome foods.

Maintaining Your Child's Nutrition

It might be challenging to consume healthful foods and make sure you're drinking enough fluids when you're an adult with the flu and have no appetite or energy. Children may find this to be even more difficult.

Due to their lower body mass, children are also more susceptible to dehydration than adults. Children are more likely than adults to lose fluids due to a high fever. Make sure your child gets plenty of fluids. Popsicles can also be given as a hydration aid and soother for a sore throat.

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