Influenza  (the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by a virus that typically occurs between October and April. It is a contagious disease, and infected individuals can transmit the virus without even knowing they have it. The onset of the flu is sudden, with symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, and nasal congestion.

According to World Health Organization data, between 5% and 15% of the world's population contracts upper respiratory tract infections each year. The effects of influenza vary depending on the strain of the flu virus and the individual's immune system.

What are the symptoms of influenza?

The most common symptoms of influenza infection can be listed as follows: Fever of 38 degrees and above, Sore throat, Chills, Sneezing, Sweating, Runny nose, Fatigue, Weakness, Headache, Muscle and joint pain, Nausea, Vomiting.

When Should You See a Doctor? 

If the severity of symptoms begins to increase, if there is a high fever for 4-5 days, if there is shortness of breath and chest pain, if the infected person is over 65 years old, and if the person has chronic diseases, a doctor should be consulted.

How to Diagnose and Treat Influenza

Flu is usually diagnosed based on the distinctive symptoms of the illness. A doctor may order a throat culture and blood test if necessary.

Treatment

The virus is the causative agent of influenza. Therefore, antibiotics are not an effective method. However, if the flu has caused another illness, antibiotic treatment is administered under the supervision of a doctor. Treatment methods that do not involve antibiotics are as follows:

• Flu-related symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches can be relieved with painkillers.
• Medicines given under the supervision of a doctor are helpful. 
• It is necessary to rest at home during the illness.
• One should not communicate too much with people.
• You should not be in cold environments.
• Plenty of water should be drunk.
• Alcohol should not be consumed.

Is Influenza a Dangerous Disease?

Influenza doesn't carry a serious course of illness and generally responds to treatment. However, because the immune system is weaker in the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, the flu can cause serious problems. Sinusitis and ear infections are particularly common in children. The course of the flu may differ in individuals with the following characteristics:

• People aged 65 and over,
• Babies and children,
• Pregnant women,
• People with heart or cardiovascular disease,
• People with chest diseases such as asthma or bronchitis,
• Those with kidney disease,
• Diabetic patients,
• Those who use drugs such as steroids,
• Those receiving cancer treatment.

What are the ways to protect yourself from influenza?

Experts state that the easiest way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is primarily administered free of charge to the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses, for whom the flu's course could be dangerous. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress are some of the ways to protect yourself from the flu.

Differences Between Influenza and Covid-19

We are currently witnessing a major pandemic. Unfortunately, this major outbreak coincides with a period when the flu virus is also widespread. Therefore, it's possible to confuse the similar symptoms of the flu and COVID-19. 

However, there is a significant and defining difference between the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19: difficulty breathing. While there is no difficulty breathing with the flu, COVID-19 patients do experience difficulty breathing. Another significant difference is that COVID-19 patients experience a dry cough originating from the lungs. Nasal congestion and runny nose are also  common with influenza  infection. This symptom is rarely seen with COVID-19.

What is the Influenza Vaccine?

Each year, the World Health Organization analyzes mutations in the influenza virus. Based on these analyses, the vaccine is developed. The vaccine's protective effect is reported to last 6 to 8 months.

When Should the Influenza Vaccine Be Given?

The influenza virus generally affects people between October and April. Therefore, administering the flu vaccine between September and November will be more effective in protecting against the flu. Furthermore, the flu vaccine should be repeated annually.

Who Should Get Influenza Vaccine?

Priority people for flu vaccination: Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy, children between 6 months and 5 years old, adults aged 65 and over, those with chronic diseases, and healthcare workers.

Who Shouldn't Get It Done?

Getting the flu vaccine may be unsafe for some people. These people:

• Babies under 6 months old,
• Those with severe egg allergies,
• Those who have had a history of severe allergic reactions to a previous flu vaccine,
• Those who have a history of Gullian-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks following influenza vaccination,
• Those with moderate or severe illness with fever.

Side Effects of the Influenza Vaccine

Some very rare side effects may be observed after the flu vaccine:

• Pain, redness or swelling in the area where the vaccine was administered,
• Mild headache (low-grade),
• Fire,
• Muscle aches,
• Nausea,
• Fatigue.

Influenza in children

The effects of the influenza  virus can vary in children. The flu affects children more than adults. The fever caused by the flu virus increases the risk of seizures in children. Depending on the course of the infection, illnesses such as middle ear infections, lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia), and myocarditis or pericarditis, which affect the heart muscle tissue, can occur. Treatment is determined by the pediatrician based on the child's clinical condition and examination results. 

Influenza Symptoms in Children

Influenza can present different symptoms in children than in adults. These symptoms include:

• High fever,
• Rapid or difficult breathing,
• Paleness or bruising on the body,
• Anorexia,
• Decreased response to stimuli,
• Unrest,
• Skin rash with fever.