Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are three types of influenza viruses: influenza A, influenza B and influenza C (although C infections are mild). Influenza A can also break down into different subtypes; B does not have subtypes, but has different lineages and strains. This results in several types of insects that can make you sick with each flu season.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
It can be difficult to determine if you are catching the flu or cold – although one of the hints is the severity of your symptoms. Cold symptoms such as runny nose or stuffy nose and sore throat will be much less severe than flu, which include symptoms of colds and fever, chills, headaches and extreme fatigue. If you think you have the flu, it is important to consult your doctor who can test for the virus. Check out these situations that make you think you have the flu, but that's really not the case.
9PICTURES
Signs that the flu can be fatal
See gallery
You get a secondary infection
The virus can become deadly when it causes a disease such as pneumonia – an inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs (which can fill with fluid). The subsequent infection can be deadly. Other serious conditions include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) and sepsis – the body's reaction to infection that triggers inflammation throughout the body and can lead to organ failure or death. Watch for the following signs to see if your flu is becoming more dangerous.
Difficulty breathing
Having difficulty breathing normally or unusual shortness of breath are signs of flu-like complications, says Dr. Sonpal. It's more than a stuffy nose that makes breathing difficult. An infection like pneumonia makes it difficult to fill your lungs. you will be unable to take long, deep breaths. Here are some signs that your respiratory infection is actually pneumonia.
Chest or abdominal pain
If you feel chest pain, Dr. Sonpal says, you should consider an emergency visit to eliminate heart problems. This could be a sign of infection such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) or pericarditis (inflammation of the sac around the heart). If you have a pre-existing heart condition, such as congestive heart failure, an infection resulting from the flu can make conditions worse.
Severe or persistent vomiting
Although Dr. Sonpal has stated that one of the symptoms of gastroenteritis is vomiting, this should only last for a day or two. If it has been more than two days since you vomit blood, have a high fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or can not keep liquids for longer, you should call your doctor.
You are a certain age or size
Elderly people (over 65) and overweight or obese people are more likely to get the flu, warns Dr. Sonpal. These groups tend to have a weaker immune system and a weaker immune response to viruses and may therefore present a risk of complications. The CDC points out that older people are particularly attentive to secondary infections. "It's because the immune system generally weakens with age," Dr. Sonpal says. Here are some ways to say that the flu season is fully effective.
You have a health problem
"Being pregnant or suffering from chronic lung disease such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis is among the diseases that place a chronic person at high risk of developing complications of the flu, "says Dr. Sonpal.
You are a child
Children under five – and especially infants under two – are also at high risk of flu complications, warns the CDC. Parents: If you notice that your baby has difficulty breathing, that his skin color changes to a bluish tint, that he is extremely irritable, that he has a fever with rash, that he avoids coughing, you must call your doctor immediately. Here are 10 cold and flu remedies for kids that all parents and educators should know about.
For infants, be careful
Infants are still developing their immune system. If you think that a baby under the age of two has the flu, you should seek immediate medical attention, especially if he is unable to breathe or eat, does not produce tears when he is crying. or it's a lot less wet. layers than normal.
HIDE CAPTION
SHOW CAPTION
What about intestinal flu?
Also known as gastroenteritis flu, it can also be caused by a virus – most commonly rotavirus and norovirus, says Niket Sonpal, MD, a New York-based internist and gastroenterologist. "With gastroenteritis, watery diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms of a person," says Dr. Sonpal. "You could also have stomach ache, cramps, fever, nausea and a headache." Find 8 ways to prevent the flu from the stomach.
RELATED: Dog Flu Symptoms That You Should Never Ignore
11PICTURES
Symptoms of dog flu
See gallery
How can you tell if your dog is sick?
Dogs can be stoic and hide very well the symptoms of the disease. It is therefore sometimes difficult to tell your companion that he is in bad weather. Dr. Heather Dean of the Colquitt Veterinary Hospital in Georgia said: "Infections can cause mild to severe illness in dogs, some dogs can develop secondary bacterial infections that can lead to more serious illness and a pneumonia." And with extremely common respiratory symptoms, canine flu can look like other less serious diseases. It is therefore important to tackle sudden changes or sudden symptoms as soon as possible. Discover the 50 secrets your dog will not tell you.
Dog flu symptom: nasal discharge
An early symptom of canine flu is a thick, yellow or greenish runny nose. More than a sniff, this mucus can happen quickly and last up to three weeks.
Dog flu symptom: lack of appetite
Although it may not be uncommon for some dogs to skip a meal, the lack of appetite may also be a red flag for a more serious problem. If it is accompanied by abnormal behaviors or signs of illness, if it is unusual for your pet or lasts a few days, call the veterinarian.
Dog flu symptom: tremor or trembling
Often associated with cold, tremors or chills, it is also a classic sign of fever and can also be a painful response. If your dog has chills but is not in a cold environment (and is not a chihuahua!), It could mean that he has a fever.
Dog flu symptom: Lethargy
The flu can even make the most fervent uncomfortable, and your dog is no exception. If your normally turbulent pup hangs out without being interested in the daily routine, he might be sick. Keep an eye on him and if you notice any other symptom or disturbing behavior, it could be a symptom of canine flu.
Dog flu symptom: Increased body temperature
The normal body temperature of a healthy dog can range from 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 104 to 105 is therefore remarkable. They will feel warm to the touch and their gums will be dry and sticky or a bright pink. Do not give your dog over-the-counter human anti-inflammatories for fever because ibuprofen, acetaminophen and many other drugs for human use are deadly to dogs. If you think your dog has a fever, you should call your veterinarian. All dog owners should know these 12 foods that can kill your dog.
Dog flu symptom: cough
The most common of all dog flu symptoms is a persistent cough. This type of cough can last from 10 to 21 days and is a typical symptom of canine flu. Coughs should not be treated with cough suppressants because they can harm your doggie. Seek treatment from your veterinarian
Dog flu symptom: glassy eyes
Similar to humans, dogs can also develop a glassy look when they have fever. If you suspect that your pet has a fever, talk to your veterinarian.
Dog flu symptom: Sneezing
As in the case of human flu, canine flu causes upper respiratory symptoms, including sneezing. The accompanying nasal buildup can make sneezing disorderly and relatively constant throughout the duration of the illness.
Treatment
If you think your dog may have flu symptoms, call your vet to make an appointment. When you arrive at your appointment, Dr. Dean recommends that you briefly leave your dog in the car while you quickly inform the receptionist of your presence. "The vet may wish that the animal stays in the car until it can be transferred directly to an examination room or take other precautions to avoid contaminating the lobby entrance and infect all patients waiting to be seen. " Ask the receptionist to call your phone when they are ready for you so that you can sit with your dog in your car while you wait. Read these 50 secrets that veterinarians will not tell you.
Prevention
If your dog is not vaccinated against the dog flu, avoid dog parks, groomers, boarding schools and dog nurseries. Clean all leashes and toys. Also, ask yourself if the dog flu vaccine is right for your puppy. If your dog never leaves the house and does not come into contact with other dogs, the vaccine may prove useless as the risk of infection is low.
It is also important to know these warning signs of cancer in dogs.
HIDE CAPTION
SHOW CAPTION
The publication 10 signs that your flu could be fatal first appeared on Reader's Digest.
More than Reader & # 39; s Digest:
12 things that happen to your body when you take melatonin
This fatty acid can effectively reduce your risk of heart attack by 48%
10 strange skin problems that could be a sign of a serious illness
