Flu or Something Else? A Quick Guide

Flu or Something Else? A Quick Guide
Flu or Something Else? A Quick Guide

United States: People in the United States are in the middle of flu season in many regions of the country.

Traces in wastewater to hospitalization data, inform of high flu virus prevalence in most of the regions in the United States. That’s over 160,000 people, from flu complications alone, from before the start of the flu season up to now, going by estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 6,600 people have been killed, as reported by USA Today.

And it may get worse soon. From the CDC, the flu illnesses in the United States peak in the month of February.

However, other types of respiratory viruses are also out there. Besides flu, winters are also high-risk seasons for the common cold, RSV, and COVID-19.

What are flu symptoms?

  • Fever, feeling feverish or chills;
  • cough;
  • sore throat;
  • runny or stuffy nose;
  • muscle or body aches, or fatigue or tiredness;
  • headache;
  • vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common among children.

This means that it is difficult to differentiate the cause of the sickness whether it is flu, cold or COVID 19 when presenting with such signals.

Is it flu or something else?

However, there are differences as well.

Though, COVID-19 symptoms may appear later than the flu or common cold according to the Mayo Clinic. On the other hand, cold infection does not present with fever or headache, though this is usually associated with flu or COVID-19. Headaches and fatigue – considered more characteristic for COVID-19 and flu – are also absent in colds.

Overall, there is a higher probability that dry cough shows COVID-19 symptoms as opposed to flu.

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, commonly presents symptoms similar to a common cold and do not necessitate treatment. However, for babies, some young kids and elderly people it is critical.

How does the flu spread?

Flu is known to be transmitted chiefly through droplets that are released by an affected person by coughing, sneezing or even speaking. Individuals can also contract the diseases by coming into contact with surfaces on which the droplets have fallen and then touch the face.

How can I prevent the flu?

Influenza vaccination for everybody starting at six months of age is mandatory, according to Dr Eduardo Azziz-Baumgartner, a medical epidemiologist at CDC Influenza Division who was speaking to USA TODAY. Although it is not going to eliminate your risk of catching the flu, a vaccine lowers your risk of developing complications from the flu.

Largely it helps to follow some fundamental measures to minimize the bacteria transfer. CDC said that some of the basics to follow include washing your hands often with soap and clean water, wear a face covering when in public spaces and cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your bent elbow when you cough or sneeze.

You should also avoid being around people who are unwell.

The flu can be treated using antiviral medications administered by a health care provider. They are most effective if taken within a few days of developing the first sign of a weinciple illness, as reported by USA Today.

As much as people feel uncomfortable with wearing a face mask especially the N95 or KN95, if you have to venture outside or come into contact with people, it minimizes the chances of you or someone else transmitting the flu.