We’ve all heard it before: “There’s a really nasty flu going around!”. But what does that actually mean? And, can you prevent yourself from catching this year’s latest and greatest version?
What is the flu?
The flu, or influenza, is one of many respiratory infections caused by a virus. There are quite a few different varieties of respiratory viruses that like to make a home in your respiratory tract – otherwise known as your mouth, nose, throat and lungs.
These include:
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Parainfluenza
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
- Human metapneumovirus
- Enterovirus
- Coronavirus
In most cases, these viruses all exhibit cold- and flu-like symptoms that include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Malaise (feeling ill)
What we like to call the “flu” might be one of these types of viruses, and each one can be the starting point for other ailments if not treated properly or if your immune system is weakened. For example, RSV commonly heads into the lungs to cause bronchitis or pneumonia among children under the age of one.
How do these viruses get spread?
Unfortunately, most viruses have an incubation stage. This is a period of time where the person with the virus shows no symptoms but is able to infect others. This period can last between one and 10 days, with the virus being most contagious during the first few days. In some cases, the virus can still be contagious after you’ve recovered from it, therefore good hygiene is very important.
The most common ways the virus can be spread are:
- If an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes, thereby sending small, infectious droplets into the air that are inhaled by those around them.
- Direct physical contact with the infected person (kissing, etc.) or direct contact with hands, tissues or other articles (a hanky, for example) that have been infected via nose/throat discharge.
- Some viruses like enterovirus and adenovirus can be spread through contamination of hands or objects infected by faeces.
Smokers, asthma and hay fever sufferers, and those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses and should ensure that they keep a very high alert during “flu season”.
Prevention is better than cure!
Finding a cure for respiratory viruses is very hard, as, unlike bacterial infections, you cannot take an antibiotic to cure them. This means that preventing yourself from getting sick is the best form of cure. Some of the best ways to keep yourself safe from “the flu” this year are to:
- Get vaccinated! Vaccines change because of the variety of viruses. This means that you should look to get vaccinated every year.
- Wear a mask if you feel ill or have a compromised immune system.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially if you’ve been in contact with someone who is sick or have been in a public place (a shopping mall, for example) where contact with items that have been touched by others can be expected. Alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Avoid sharing cups, glasses or eating implements, as well as physical contact with someone who is currently sick.
- Wipe down all surfaces the infected person might have come into contact with (TV remote, for example) with an alcohol-based wet-wipe before use.
- Exercise! Regular exercise helps strengthen your lungs and improves your general cardiovascular health.
GetSavvi Health has you covered
Respiratory infections are no joke and can be extremely uncomfortable to endure. If you’re worried about yourself or your family this year, GetSavvi Health can help.
GetSavvi Health aims to keep you as safe and healthy as possible.
With that in mind, our preventative benefits provide access to vaccinations for pneumonia, hepatitis A and B, flu and tetanus, as well as pap smears, prostate screenings and health tests.
Simply click here and fill out your details and one of our experts will call you back soon.
References:
Welcome to SA Health
Canadian Lung Association
American Lung Association
Medical News Today
WebMD
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention