By Tedler D. Depaynos, MD
Flu or Influenzae or in our common language “Trankaso” is a viral disease that is self-limiting and usually lasts for 3 to 5 days with or without medicines in healthy individuals. Sometimes it is called Systemic Viral Disease, a high sounding term mostly written in medical certificates. If it goes beyond that, other diseases are entertained like Typhoid Fever or Dengue. It is characterized by a low grade fever, muscle pains, headaches and body malaise. In more severe cases, patients may have chills, dry cough, nasal discharges and even sore throat. Some may interpret it as “severe colds”.
General practitioner MDs usually just advise bed rest, liberal fluid intake and to relieve them of their symptoms, simple analgesics and decongestants are prescribed.
Complications, however, may occur because during that time the resistance of the individual goes down. They may develop bacterial Bronchitis or Pneumonia especially when the coughing becomes productive with yellow colored or dark sputum. In severe cases, sepsis may occur. The manifestations would then be severe and would last for more than 5 to 7 days. By statistics, the complications usually occur to those below 5 yrs. old, to the elderlies or debilitated individuals and to those with underlying chronic illnesses such as diabetis, lung and heart diseases.
Because of the expected complications, experienced MDs now prescribe antiviral drugs especially in those high risk patients which may lessen the duration of the disease. They also sometimes prescribe antibiotics hoping to prevent super imposed bacterial infections.
From our old textbooks, Flu is caused by any of the 3 types of influenza viruses (A, B and C). They enter the mouth or nose by inhalation of droplets that are coughed, sneezed or exhaled out by people with the disease; by direct contact with secretions from infected people like in kissing; or by touching contaminated objects like handkerchiefs and then touching the nose or mouth with the hands. Flu however can now be prevented. During the flu season which generally starts with the rainy season, avoiding crowded places is recommended especially when unceasing coughing is heard. Healthy living of course is a must!
Flu vaccine is also available and this is highly recommended to health care providers, children below 5 yrs. of age, 50 yrs. old and above elderlies and those with debilitating or chronic diseases. The vaccine is usually dispensed by our young Pediatricians, Pulmonologists or Internal Medicine Specialists.
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