Ailments, Maladies, and Conditions | May, 2012




Influenza

Common Names:

Flu


About Influenza:

A cold and the flu share some of the same symptoms. But even a bad cold is pretty mild, compared to a bout with the flu.
A cold usually comes on gradually — over the course of a day or two. Generally, it leaves you feeling tired, sneezing, coughing and plagued by a running nose. You often don't have a fever, but when you do, it's only slightly higher than normal. Colds usually last three to four days, but can hang around for 10 days to two weeks.
Flu, on the other hand, comes on suddenly and hits hard. You will feel weak and tired and you could run a fever as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Your muscles and joints will probably ache, you will feel chilled and could have a severe headache and sore throat. Getting off the couch or out of bed will be a chore. The fever may last three to five days, but you could feel weak and tired for two to three weeks.

Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and can include:
• Fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Chills and sweats
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches, especially in your back, arms and legs
• Cough
• Headache
• Loss of appetite

Seek medical attention if you have these cold and flu symptoms:

In children:
• High fever (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit), or a fever that lasts for more than 3 days
• Symptoms that last for more than 10 days
• Trouble breathing, fast breathing or wheezing
• Bluish skin color
• Earache or drainage from the ear
• Changes in mental state (such as not waking up, irritability or seizures)
• Flu-like symptoms that improve, but return with a fever and a worse cough
• Worsening of a chronic medical condition (such as diabetes or heart disease)
• Vomiting or abdominal pain
In adults:
• A high, prolonged fever (above 102 degrees Fahrenheit) with fatigue and body aches
• Symptoms that last for more than 10 days or get worse instead of better
• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Fainting or feeling like you are about to faint
• Confusion or disorientation
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Severe sinus pain in your face or forehead
• Very swollen glands in the neck or jaw

Frequent Symptoms:

Fever over 102 degrees fahrenheit, stuffy nose, nausea, chills and sweats, fatigue, muscle aches, especially in your back, arms and legs, Cough, Headache, Loss of appetite


Influenza

Treatment Options:

Viruses cause Colds and Flus.  Antibiotics, herbal remedies and homeopathic medicines are useless against them. Keeping hydrated and getting plenty of rest may speed recovery. Many find some herbal teas soothing to drink and benefit from the herbs ability to lessen the severity of their symptoms.