Flu

You can catch it when someone who has it sneezes or coughs, sending virus-filled droplets into the air that you breathe in. You can also get it if you touch somewhere that the virus landed and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Flu is more common in winter because people spend more time indoors and in close contact with each other, so the virus spreads more easily. These prescription pills work best if you take them within the first 48 hours of feeling bad. The medicine can make your symptoms less severe or shorten them 1 or 2 days. Antiviral drugs include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), or zanamivir (Relenza). Even after 48 hours, they can still help those who have a bad case of the flu, are over 65, or have a weak immune system. Pain medicine such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen might ease a fever and body aches. Decongestants can help with a stuffy nose. And cough medicine or drops can help calm your hacking. Ask your doctor which if any of these medicines may be right for you. Keep in mind that antibiotics don't treat a virus like the flu. The only time they may help is if you also get a bacterial infection such as sinusitis, bacterial pneumonia, or an ear infection. That's the best way to stay healthy. The vaccine helps your body to recognize influenza and fight it. Because the virus changes from year to year, you need a new vaccine before the start of each flu season in the fall. The vaccine cannot give you the flu. It can keep you from gettin...

Influenza, or flu, is a respiratory illness that results from a viral infection. Flu is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets. A person can pass it on while talking or through physical contact, such as shaking hands. Influenza A and influenza B cause seasonal epidemics in the United States and elsewhere every winter. Type C usually causes mild respiratory illness. Some strains of influenza A, such as the In this article, we explain the symptoms of flu, the treatment options, how it differs from a cold, and how to prevent the flu. Share on Pinterest japatino/Getty Images According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with flu • a high temperature that lasts 3–4 days • a stuffy or runny nose • cold sweats and shivers • aches that may be severe • a • Not everyone with flu will have all of these symptoms. For instance, it is possible to have The symptoms of influenza typically come on suddenly. Initially, a person with flu • a high temperature • a stuffy or runny nose • a dry cough • cold sweats and shivers • aches that may be severe • a headache • fatigue, and a feeling of being unwell • a low appetite Flu symptoms in adults Adults with the following symptoms should • breathing difficulties • pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen • dizziness, confusion, or loss of alertness • seizures • not urinating, which may indicate • severe pain, weakness, and unsteadiness • a • a worsening of other existing health conditions Flu sympt...

Worried about catching the What is the flu? What's the difference between a cold and flu? The common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract. Although the symptoms can be similar, flu is much worse. A cold may drag you down a bit, but the flu can make you shudder at the very thought of getting out of bed. Congestion, More than 100 types of cold viruses are known, and new strains of flu evolve every few years. Since both diseases are viral, Four antiviral For in-depth information, see WebMD's How are stomach flu and influenza different? "Stomach flu" is a popular term, but not a true medical diagnosis. It's not uncommon to mistake For more about gastrointestinal flu, read WebMD's How is flu spread? The flu virus is spread from person to person through respiratory secretions and typically sweeps through large groups of people who spend time in close contact, such as in Flu is spread when you inhale droplets in the air that contain the flu virus, make direct contact with respiratory secretions through sharing drinks or utensils, or handle items contaminated by an infected person. In the latter case, the flu virus on your Who's at greatest risk for flu complications? While anyone can get flu, infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, Specific strains of flu can be prevented by a For in-depth information, see WebMD's Are there different types of flu viruses? Researchers divide flu v...