Influenza

Flu is caused by a virus known as RNA. This virus infects the respiratory systems through fluids and droplets of infected liquid. These droplets are tiny but the virus will multiply in the new host and quickly make them ill.

Flu is generally not dangerous. Many people catch flu and feel better after a week. It's not always necessary to see a doctor as time enables the immune system to fight off the infection in healthy individuals. However, it's thought 13,500 Australians are put in the hospital by flu each year, mostly the elderly and under fives, and that it contributes to the deaths of 3,000 people aged over 50.

There are three different types of flu:

• Type A and B which are responsible for most serious outbreaks of flu each winter. They are targeted by flu vaccines.
• Type C which is the less severe type that is similar to a cold and usually causes minimal mild symptoms.

All flu viruses are spread in the same way – via infected droplets finding their way into the respiratory system of another.

Colds and flu are different illness caused by different viruses, but they have similar symptoms, however, flu is much worse than a cold and can often leave the recipient bed-bound.

Colds symptoms are:

• Runny nose
• Blocked nose
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Mild fever
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Can last for two weeks

Flu usually develops more quickly than a cold, sometimes within a few hours. Colds usually develop over a few days. Children often have up to ten colds a year as they develop immunity to the different viruses. Adults can have several each year.

In general, the difference is that flu is much more debilitating than a cold. Often people can continue their daily life with a cold, but with flu, they may feel unable to move about and drained of energy.

Flu symptoms are:

• Sudden fever of 38-40C (100-104F)
• Muscle aches and pains
• Sweating
• Feeling exhausted and needing to lie down
• A dry, chesty cough
• Poor appetite

These symptoms are usually rapid and quickly exhausting. Flu can develop within one to three days of becoming infected. The symptoms may last around a week, whereas a cold will be milder and last for longer.

Flu can leave a person tired and lacking energy for weeks after recovery.

You can't get flu by becoming cold or getting wet. Flu is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract and multiplies.

The virus is present in droplets that are sneezed or coughed out. The virus can spread about a metre in range and remain suspended in the air. Once the virus lands on a surface they can live for 24 hours. If you breathe in or touch the virus you are likely to develop flu.

Common places for flu virus transference are:

• Food
• Door handles
• Remote controls
• Toilet flushes
• Telephone handsets
• Computer keyboards
• Kettle, cups or cutlery handles
• Handrails on stair cases and public transport

Washing your hands regularly can help you avoid flu. If you have flu ensure you sneeze or cough into a tissue and wash your hands, as this limits the number of droplets present in the environment.

It's not known exactly why there is a flu season, but colds and flu are more prevalent in the winter months, usually coinciding with a drop in temperature and wetter weather. Experts suggest this is because of:

• We spend more time indoors in each other's company when the weather is wet and cold. This makes it more likely that we will transmit the disease to each other.
• Cold weather may lower our natural defenses, for example, we have less vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D boosts the immune system.
• The cold weather may constrict blood vessel in the nose and mouth and stop white blood cells reaching the mucous membrane.
• Cold air carries less water so the air is drier. Dry conditions are helpful for germs to establish and multiply.

Flu makes us feel unwell, but taking antibiotics won't help. This is because flu is a virus, not bacteria.

Flu can be treated in these ways:

Rest

If you have flu you should rest. Do not go to work, and drink lots of fluids. Hot water with honey and lemon is particularly good at soothing a sore throat and hydrating you. Take over-the-counter paracetamol and ibuprofen. Get fresh air via an open window and try to sleep as much as you can.

Over-the-counter medication

There are many remedies for flu. A pharmacist can advise on the best one for you. These medicines help with the symptoms of flu because it's not possible to kill the virus. Cough medicines, painkillers, decongestants and eye drops can all help you through.

Antiviral prescription treatment

There are several antiviral flu medications that can be taken on prescription. If you have been in contact with flu and are worried about developing flu you can speak to your doctor about what might suit you. Antivirals can also decrease the amount of time you have symptoms and get you back to health faster.

The flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is a well-known inoculation that helps prevent flu by protecting you against viruses.

Flu viruses change each year, so the vaccine is changed. You will need a flu jab each year to be fully protected against the new viruses. It is offered at the start of the flu season each year. Your doctor can give you the flu vaccine.

It's recommended for everyone over six months of age and is free for those who are at risk of flu complication. This includes:

• The over 65s
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait people aged six months to less than five years
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are aged 15 years and over
• Pregnant women
• People aged six months and over with medical conditions such as severe asthma, lung or heart disease, low immunity or diabetes that can lead to complications from influenza.

The flu vaccine does not contain the live virus so it's not possible to catch flu from it. You may get a sore arm at the injection site, but this will quickly pass.

Home remedies and tips for combating flu

You should see a doctor for flu treatment if:

• You're 65 or over
• Your child has flu
• You're pregnant
• You have a long-term medical condition including diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease
• You have a neurological disease
• You have a weakened immune system
• You have asthma

If you develop these symptoms speak to your doctor:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Your symptoms are getting worse over time or haven't improved after a week

People who are otherwise healthy can treat flu at home without seeing the doctor.

The best way to treat flu is to avoid getting it in the first place. Wash your hands frequently, eat well and get enough sleep. Breathe fresh air and wear gloves during the flu season. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

If you do develop flu you should stay at home, drink lots of water and keep warm. Take over-the-counter remedies to relieve the symptoms of temperature and pain, and remain at home until you are recovered.

If you do not start to feel better after a week, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Flu is an uncomfortable illness and unfortunately, it is very common. Take steps to prevent flu such as booking a vaccine and regular hand-washing. If you do catch flu look after yourself and see the doctor if you feel worse or don't recover. Remember that flu can badly affect children, the elderly asthmatic and those with lowered immune systems.