“Flu Symptoms are More Severe in Children, People Aged 65 and Older and Those With Chronic Diseases“

Nowadays as temperatures decreases influenza cases increases in our country. We had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital Infectious Diseases Specialist Emine Ünal Evren MD., about the types, symptoms and preventive measures of this disease.

What is Influenza?
Influenza (Flu) is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses which can re-emerge in a different structure to evade immunity system and affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can lead to mild upper respiratory tract infection and in some cases to severe complications. There are three types of flu viruses: A, B, and C. Also influenza A has many subtypes which is the main cause of seasonal flu.

How is Flu spread?
Influenza is mainly spread when infected people cough, releasing droplets containing viruses into the air which can be breathed in the respiratory tract of the healthy individuals. This virus survives for up to 7 hours in the air and can spread by direct contact. Indoor spaces makes it easier for the flu virus to circulate and it spreads more easily during winter.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of flu include fever, coughing, chilling, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, weakness, sometimes diarrhoea and vomiting which occur after 2 days incubation period. Most patients recover within 1 week without medical treatment. Children, adults older than 65, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease areat greater risk of serious complications.  In some cases of the flu, severe complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis can develop and it can also make some existing medical conditions worse.

What would you like to tell us about the treatment?
At this point I would like to remind you that there are many viruses that cause symptoms that are similar to those of the flu and for a definitive diagnosis laboratory tests should be performed. Antiviral medicines are effective if taken early in the course of the illness, within 48 hours of developing symptoms. Inappropriate use of these drugs may increase the risk of resistance. Rest and drinking plenty of fluids is especially important when you have the flu.

What would you like to tell us about the preventive measures?
In fact immunization is the most effective way. World Health Organization (WHO) recommend yearly vaccination for pregnant women, all children aged 6 months to less than 5 years of age, adults aged 65 years and over, those with chronic health problems and health care workers. Hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid flu.