Flu (Variations: Grippe, Influenza)
A respiratory infection caused due to a virus is typically what we know as ‘flu’. There are several viruses which can cause the flu by passing through the air and entering your body through your nose or mouth. It affects nearly 20% of people in the U.S. each year. While most people can shake off the flu within a week, in babies, people with chronic diseases, and older people, it can become a serious issue. The symptoms of flu are usually mild at the beginning which can progressively worsen if the right treatment is not provided. They may include:
- Body, muscle, or joint pain
- Chills
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
How to tell if it is a cold or the flu? Common cold typically does not cause fever or whole body pain. While ‘stomach flu’ is not the flu in the first place, it never causes an upset stomach. The safest way to avoid the flu is by getting a yearly flu vaccine. Howerm, if you do catch the flu, your healthcare provider will prescribe medicine to alleviate the symptoms and boost your immunity.