The cold weather is back, and with it comes its share of illnesses. One of the most familiar is the flu: transmitted by the Influenza virus, it can leave you bedridden for days on end. As well as being fairly violent, flu symptoms often arrive suddenly and simultaneously. A good cocktail for juggling fever, aches and pains and a sore throat.
Flu symptoms
Flu symptoms appear after the incubation period (between one and three days). The illness generally begins with a high fever (peaking at 40 degrees), closely followed by other symptoms:
- joint pain
- A cough
- Sore throat
- headaches
- loss of appetite
While the fever disappears after about five days, the sore throat and cough can persist for up to two weeks.
Is flu dangerous?
While flu itself is not dangerous, it does weaken the body, which can then fall prey to bacterial infections. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. Pneumonia is one of the illnesses that can follow influenza. Vaccination is still the best way to protect against flu.
How is flu treated?
The illness will pass spontaneously after about 8 days, if there are no complications. To get over flu, you wait for it to pass and relieve the symptoms:
- You can reduce the fever and ease headaches and aches by taking ibuprofen or paracetamol.
- Cough syrup and sucking candy for sore throats/coughs
- Nasal spray if you have a blocked nose
- Drink plenty of water
- Antibiotics only in case of bacterial superinfection (sinusitis, pneumonia, etc)
How can you avoid the virus this winter?
We’re all very familiar with barrier measures. The same goes for flu. Here’s a quick reminder:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds
- Don’t touch your mouth, nose or eyes (unless you’ve washed your hands beforehand, in which case it’s also important to wash your hands again afterwards)
- Disinfect surfaces, handles, etc.
- If you have flu symptoms, stay warm at home to avoid contaminating others
- Get vaccinated if you are at risk. You can also consider getting vaccination advice if you’re not sure about it.
🤝 This article was written in collaboration with Dr. Korine Pocquet
Dr. Korine Pocquet is a general practitioner at Médicentre Balexert (Geneva). She advises and treats her patients via teleconsultation, a practical way of avoiding the need to travel.
