Causes of the flu and its symptoms and treatment methods

Influenza is a major disease and health problem for the world, adults, youth and both sexes, and the number of influenza cases increases in winter, when temperatures are low and the air cold that can cause the flu can intensify.

According to Dr. Nuha al-Sheikh, a specialist in internal medicine at Burjil Abu Dhabi Hospital, the flu is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and can cause many symptoms ranging from mild to moderate.

Influenza infection is transmitted by spraying, and the infection is likely to cause infection one day before the onset of symptoms for the first time within 5 to 10 days of their onset, almost, the same day. Noha

The influenza virus is constantly evolving and new strains appear every year. Influenza A is one of two dominant types A and B and includes 18 types of viruses, including the H1N1 virus, which appeared in 2009 and is known as swine flu.

Most people are susceptible to the flu

Although the flu can infect anyone, regardless of gender, some people are more likely to have the flu, according to the Mayo Clinic,

Medical Affairs:

• Children under 5, especially those under 2 years old.

• Adults over 65 years old.

• Residents of retirement homes and other long-term care facilities.

• Pregnant women and women in the postpartum period up to two weeks.

• People whose immune system is weakened.

• People with chronic diseases, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes.

• People who are obese and have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.

Symptoms of the flu

D. He warned that influenza can result in a range of symptoms varying from person to person and including the following:

• Fever and high body temperature.

• inflammation of the throat.

• Nasal congestion and coughing.

• Headache and chills.

• Fatigue and general weakness.

Muscle pain.

Influenza can lead to health complications if not treated quickly, and these complications include:

• Pneumonia is the most serious complication.

• bronchitis.

• asthma attacks.

• heart problems.

• ear infections.

Treatment of flu

Dr. "The vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu, especially in people exposed to this type of disease," he said.

D. It is illegal to vaccinate against influenza every year and this annual vaccine protects from 3 to 4 types of the most common influenza viruses during the year.

But this indicates that the vaccine alone is not 100% effective and that it is therefore necessary to take preventative measures to reduce the spread of infection, including:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.

• Cover your mouth and nose during coughing to prevent the spread of infection.

• Avoid crowds during peak season of injury.