Influenza infection: what next?

Influenza which in most instances is just referred to as flu is a high fever combined with a sore throat or cough in the absence of a known cause. Other symptoms that you should check out include body aches, stuffy nose, fatigue, headaches, and in some instances especially in children, diarrhea, and vomiting.
The flu is most cases spreads through the air from one person to the next when a person who is infected talks, sneezes, or coughs. When the virus enters through the throat, nose, or lungs of the next person, it multiplies causing the flu symptoms. Unlike with the common cold, the flu has the potential of causing serious illnesses and at times can be life-threatening for those who have chronic illnesses.
Prevention
•    Get a flu shot
•    Drink a lot of fluids daily
•    Get enough sleep
•    Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose as it is a common way of spreading the virus
•    To strengthen your immune system, exercise regularly.
•    Eat foods which are healthy and rich in vitamins
•    Avoid contact with people who are sick
•    Limit or avoid alcohol as it tends to weaken the immune system
•    Sick a health counselor if you are unable to manage stress
To help prevent the spread of the virus from one person to the next:
•    Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you sneeze or cough. After use, throw the tissue in a trash can.
•    Ensure to wash your hands well and quite often. If water and soap are not available, then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
•    If you are sick, then you should stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone unless you are going out to seek medical attention or other necessary things. The fever can go away without the use of any medication.
In case you get sick with influenza:
•    Rest: When you go for bed rest, it is very necessary. Apart from preventing you from spreading the virus, it will help your immune system to fight the infection.
•    Hydrate: Enough fluid taken in is an aspect that is very important to fight the virus. Choose juice, water or warm soups in preventing being dehydrated. You might need at least 3 liters to 5 liters daily of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids when you are sick.
•    Medication: Take your medication as per the instruction on the package. If you have any questions, then it is best that you consult your physician for way forward.
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