How prevent and treat the flu?

Flu 101: 10 Things you should know about the flu

Maureen Diament

30 Nov 2014

updated the 4 May 2019 à 05:25

Every year, without fail, the flu makes an appearance. So, here is all you need to know to identify the virus, avoid it and, if it’s too late, recover from it as quickly as possible.

1/10
What is flu?
Flu refers to the disease than can be caused by several viruses. We categorize them in three big types: A, B and C. Every year, various flu viruses circulate and contaminate millions of people.
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Can we have flu several times during one year?
In theory, it is possible because we can catch several different viruses. Fortunately, in practice, this is very rare.
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How is the virus passed on?
It circulates in the air and is caught by inhalation of micro-droplets in suspension expelled by infected persons who cough or sneeze. The virus settles in the respiratory tract where it multiplies. Wearing a mask is the most effective way to protect yourself, especially if you are surrounded by sick people. It is also possible to catch the flu by touching a contaminated object. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands regularly with water and soap for 30 seconds.
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What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of the flu are similar to those of a cold (runny nose, tiredness, headache) only more severe. They are often accompanied by fever, with joint or muscular pain. These symptoms will persist for approximately a week.
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How long do the symptoms last?
Sometimes, after three or four days of flu, the fever will fall suddenly during 24 to 48 hours. After this, we feel much better and think that we have got rid of the virus. This is a mistake as the symptoms restart after just a few hours.
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How long are we contagious for?
One to two days will pass between catching the virus and exhibiting symptoms. We become contagious as soon as we are sick and for about 6 days in total. During this period, it is advised to stay in bed, because we are weak, but also to avoid propagation of the flu.
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What is the treatment?
It is symptomatic, meaning that the flu symptoms reduce while our immune system destroys the virus. It is then advised to take aspirin or paracetamol for the fever and aches, and some vitamin C or some Royal Jelly to combat fatigue (to continue 10 to 15 days after the end of the disease to boost convalescence). Antibiotics are only adminstered in cases of bacterial superinfection.
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Will the H1N1 virus always be there?
This year, yes. However, in the long-term, it could disappear and be replaced by another strain. Indeed, the flu virus mutates constantly, which is why it is so dangerous as our bodies cannot build up resistance.
9/10
Who should be vaccinated?
Those whose immune systems are fragile and can have difficulty fighting infection. It is recommended for people of more than 65 years, children, pregnant women (the vaccine protects the mother as well as the baby until 6 months after the birth), and those suffering from chronic diseases (asthma, obesity, diabetes and so on). The vaccine is very well tolerated and accessible to all. However, be careful not to wait too long as the immunity is only acquired 15 days after the injection.
10/10
When is it necessary to see a doctor?
If symptoms become bronchi-pulmonary (breathing difficulties, shortness of breath and so on) or if there are neurological signs (disorientation, confusion). A doctor should be seen systematically if the disease affects a child.

In general, no one is immune from the dreaded flu which attacks every year. As common as it is, there are still ways to protect against it and the more we learn about it, the more we are able to identify it and treat it before it escalates and causes further complications.

ONE FLU, SEVERAL VIRUSES

There are several strains of influenza, the main three types being: A, B and C. The current viruses that are dangerous to humans are types A and B. Every year, specialists observe the diffusion of stem as well as the mutation of the flu virus to identify those who will be most susceptible during the next epidemic. The three most vulnerable groups are then incorporated into the flu vaccine. This year, we still find the stem H1N1 (the famous flu A), along with H3N2 and M2. The vaccine had, almost exactly, the same composition as last year. Some specialists say that it is important to be vaccinated annually as the protection does not exceed one year.

Maureen Diament

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