Influenza or flu is a virus, at one time or another, we all have experienced. This virus is widespread and tremendously infectious. Influenza or Flu is usually confused with a cold, but the flu symptoms are much more terrible. Cold causes problems in breathing due to congestion or a blocked nose, while flu is much more weakening.

Symptoms of Flu become visible quickly, commonly lasting for a week. You can get caught by this virus at any time. However, this virus is more common in winter and usually spread by a cough and sneezing.

For adults, symptoms of flu include:

• A sore throat

• Chills

• Blocked or a runny nose

• The temperature of 38°C or may be higher

• Tiredness

• Cough

• Sneezing

• A headache

• Achy muscles, usually in legs, arms, back, shoulder, and neck

• Wheezing while breathing

• No appetite

Infection of the flu is caused by a virus. But it is different from the virus that causes the common cold infection, and it does not spread the way the cold virus spreads. For instance, a cold virus is usually spread by sneezes or coughs of someone which contain tiny droplets of the virus. This virus can catch you easily, even if you kiss someone who is infected, by the sneezing of a person sitting next to you in a bus or by touching something being touch by the infected person. This virus enters the body through the nose, eyes or mouth. Moreover, they can easily live on surfaces or hands for about 24 hours, and this makes it contagious.

Many people think that the flu does not need any medical treatment or diagnosis. It clears up on its own, within a week.

However, some people may experience serious complications from the flu and if this is the case, you might need consultation from a doctor.

You should visit GP if you are pregnant, above the age of 65, or if you do not get better.

Furthermore, patients with chronic conditions like a weak immune system, diabetes should see General practitioner.

If you find that your baby is showing acute symptoms, or if you are anxious about your child, then you must visit GP for additional advice..

If your baby or child is showing severe flu symptoms, or if you’re worried about them, you should see a GP for more advice.

Moreover, it is caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help. Rather than treatment, healthy and fit people just need rest until they recover, this usually takes seven days.

There are measures for self-care, which can help you in getting better, this includes:

Drinking a lot of liquid, this will help in preventing dehydration.

Resting at home and getting plenty of sleep can help

Try to keep yourself warm

Treat a cough with the counter medicines

Take painkillers from over the counter

Should I visit General Physician for the Treatment of flu?

Commonly, flu lasts for a couple of days, so you don't need to visit General Practitioner. Moreover, visit GP if you are expectant above the age of 65 and if you do not get better or see any improvement in your health visit a GP. Furthermore patients with chronic conditions like weak immune system, diabetes should see General practitioner.

If you find that your baby is showing acute symptoms or you are anticipating or worried about your child, then you must visit GP for additional advice.

If you have chest pain, blood in cough or problems in breathing, instantly go to ERCC or call112.

Treatment for Flu

Since flu is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Also, if you are healthy and fit, you just need rest at home until you recover.

You must visit a doctor, if your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, or if you are at high risk of complication due to flu.

Flu is infectious and very common, and there is a high risk of getting infected during your pregnancy. In many cases, people usually recover easily without any medical treatment, but sometimes, it causes complications and can make the condition worse. So it is essential to look out for such symptoms. If you catch the virus during pregnancy, it is important to visit a doctor for further advice.