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Early warning signs of the flu and ways to prevent them

Influenza or flu is a condition that occurs suddenly and often during a change in season. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, so it is crucial to get them checked early to avoid complications. Understanding the warning signs of the condition, like constant cough, excessive fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems, will aid in its early detection and timely diagnosis. Keep reading to learn more about the early signs and symptoms of flu in detail.

Excessive fatigue

Excessive fatigue is one of the first symptoms to appear before any of the other signs follow. It comes on suddenly and quickly, and while conditions like the common cold share this symptom, fatigue during the flu is more severe. Limiting physical activities, resting at home, and strengthening the immune system to fight off the oncoming illness are some preventive measures individuals can opt for.

Cough

A persistent dry cough is another indicator of influenza, so be vigilant about these signs. For some people, the cough may also be wet with mucus or phlegm, depending on the severity of the infection, and some may experience tightness in the chest and wheezing. Anyone with any respiratory issues like asthma or emphysema should speak to a health professional to get a check-up and ask for any management or treatment options immediately to avoid further complications. Furthermore, if the phlegm is colored or is smelling, that is another sign that necessitates a doctor’s urgent intervention.

Sore throat

As mentioned above, constant coughing can lead to other complications and symptoms like a sore throat. It can also lead to some swelling in the throat that can be painful. The feeling of irritation and scratchy throat is also present, along with a strange sensation when swallowing food or drinks. Experts believe that once the infection grows, the sore throat will worsen if left untreated.

Gastrointestinal issues

Some strains of the virus can cause stomach problems like diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. With these symptoms, dehydration can be a complication, so it is advised to keep drinking lots of water, sports drinks with electrolytes, unsweetened fruit juices, and lots of soup and broth.

High body temperature

Fever is a common indicator of flu. It means that the body is trying to ward off an infection it has got, and the body temperature rises to over 100.4˚F. While this is a common flu symptom, not every individual may experience this. Some people may experience chills, or others may not experience anything while the virus runs its course.

Chills and body aches

To extend on the symptoms that follow, the fever, body aches, and chills should not be mistaken as a sore muscle due to a workout or such. The discomfort can develop anywhere; it can be the back, head, legs, or anywhere else. Wrapping oneself in blankets is an option if an individual is experiencing chills through the body.

Flu symptoms in children

While children also go through the symptoms mentioned above, there may be some other signs of discomfort to look for, like crying with no tears, not drinking enough fluids, difficulty urinating, eating troubles, not waking up or interacting, and having a fever with a rash. In children, it can be hard to know if they have a cold or the flu as the symptoms usually overlap, and they may not be able to communicate the difference or know the right symptoms. So, always seek a health professional’s help to diagnose the correct illness and chart a treatment course accordingly.

Seeking immediate help

Apart from these symptoms, there are some warning signs of emergencies that demand a healthcare professional’s urgent intervention. These symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe dehydration, worsening of cough, recurring high fever, confusion, dizziness, and bluish skin and lips.

When these symptoms are ignored and if they get severe, there are possible complications like bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infection, encephalitis, and also pneumonia.

Influenza prevention and vaccines

Some preventive methods can help reduce the risk of getting influenza, and one of the methods is getting the influenza vaccine, popularly known as flu shots. There are two ways to get this vaccine- one is intravenous, and another is a nasal spray flu vaccine. Many types of flu shots are available, all approved by the FDA, but speaking to the primary care doctor is the best way to know which flu shot is ideal for which season. However, it is pertinent to note health experts advise those above the age of 6 months to get a flu shot every year to help prevent severe symptoms of the illness. The vaccine’s effectiveness varies from season to season and depends on factors like overall health and age of the individual. However, as a precautionary measure, this option is recommended for all.

Other preventive tips include keeping mouth and nose covered with a clean mask, practicing daily hygiene, cleaning hands thoroughly every day after activities, avoiding touching the nose, mouth, and eyes frequently or with dirty hands, sanitizing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick and shows any flu symptoms and also staying at home if one is feeling sick or shows any flu symptoms. It is also important to be aware of the warning signs of flu to seek healthcare assistance before the condition worsens and leads to further complications.

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