Flu - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Flu is caused by the infection of the influenza virus. It is affected the throat, lungs and nose in people. It is mainly developed between November to March. This disease can transmit from one person to another person. It can transmit by sneezing and coughing. Antibiotics are not helpful for reduce the symptoms of flu.

Symptoms of flu:

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Fever
• Excessive fatigue
• Muscle aches in legs
• Sore throat
• Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea

Complications of flu

There are various complications of the disease such as asthma, sickle cell disease, cancer, HIV, diabetes, dehydration, pneumonia, sinus problems, congestive heart failure and ear infections.

When to seek the health care provider

• Someone has a dry cough for long period and is getting worse.
• One has suffered from fever more than 100 degree Celsius between the age of three to six month.
• Child experience difficulty in breathing and developed diseases such as pneumonia.

Treatment

Acetaminophen or ibuprofens like advil or motrin are recommended by the doctor to reduce the high fever. Aspirin is not preferred by the doctor.

Prevention

Flu vaccination is getting by child, very effective to prevent the Flu. There are two kinds of flu vaccination such as nasal-spray flu vaccine and flu shot vaccine.

Flu shot vaccine: This is very effective to kill the virus. The flu shot vaccine is given to child by a small needle. This is given to people who have chronic medical conditions and healthy people.

Nasal-spray flu vaccine: This is not useful for pregnant. It is beneficial for reduce the flu viruses. It is also known as Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine.

After caring the child, wash the hands with mild soap and water to avoid spreading the disease to other persons. Parents should keep their baby away from person who has any diseases. Parents must avoid public transportation with infant.