Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly infectious respiratory virus that affects millions of people worldwide each year.
Characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue, influenza poses a significant challenge to public health, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.
The flu spreads easily from person to person, primarily when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms can appear suddenly and vary from mild to severe and can sometimes lead to hospitalization, especially in high-risk groups.
Treatment for influenza primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. Antiviral medications, like Tamiflu or Xofluza, can be effective if started within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. These medications can shorten the duration of symptoms and are especially important for high-risk individuals.
Additional treatment measures include:
Preventing the spread of influenza is key to protecting yourself and your community. The most effective prevention strategy is the annual flu vaccine, recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Other preventive measures include:
Understanding influenza and taking steps towards prevention can significantly reduce the impact of the virus.
We hope that you and your family stay healthy this season but, if you or someone in your family has the flu, Saving Grace is here to help! We offer both in-home and telemedicine visits in select cities in Oklahoma and Kansas.
