General Information About the Flu
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a contagious respiratory disease where influenza viruses settle in the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, causing severe symptoms that affect the entire body.
A cold starts slowly with a mild fever, runny nose, and sneezing, and the person can continue their daily life. The flu, however, starts suddenly with a high fever and severe muscle aches that exhaust the patient to the point where they cannot get out of bed.
It is easily transmitted when virus-laden droplets, sprayed into the air by an infected person coughing, talking, or sneezing, are inhaled by other people.
Especially in the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with chronic heart/lung conditions, the virus can descend into the lungs, leading to life-threatening viral pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections.
During outbreak seasons, clinical symptoms are sufficient for diagnosis. For a definitive diagnosis and to determine the virus type, 'Rapid Influenza Antigen Tests' or PCR tests are performed using a swab taken from the nose/throat within the same day.
The flu vaccine, updated annually, significantly reduces the risk of catching the disease and having a severe case. Rest and plenty of fluids are important in treatment. In risk groups, antiviral medications (such as Oseltamivir) are prescribed within the first 48 hours after symptoms begin.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
