Influenza
Description
Influenza, or flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads mainly through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces. Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache and fatigue; some people may have vomiting or diarrhea. Most people recover within a week or two, but flu can be more serious in young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions, and in India flu activity can peak in winter with regional variations. In India, influenza vaccination is available in private and some public settings and is recommended for people at higher risk where possible; it is not part of the universal government immunization program. If you have symptoms, seek care from a local healthcare provider such as a primary health centre or government hospital, especially if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or you are in a high-risk group; if in doubt, consult a qualified doctor in India.
Common Symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
- If you have severe symptoms or are in a high-risk group, seek medical care from a doctor or a government hospital/primary health centre in India
Causes
- Influenza is caused by influenza viruses (types A and B) that infect the respiratory tract.
- It spreads mainly through droplets from coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces; aerosols can spread in crowded settings.
- Risk factors include young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney/liver disease.
- Extra risks include immunosuppression, obesity, smoking, healthcare workers, and living in crowded or poorly ventilated environments.
- In India, transmission is common in crowded households, schools, markets, and public transport; influenza vaccination is available in private clinics and some government settings for high-risk groups, but not universally provided.
- This is general information. If you have concerns about influenza risk or vaccination, consult a doctor or local healthcare provider in India.
Treatment Options
Treatment for influenza generally centers on rest, fluids, and supportive care to relieve fever and body aches.
Doctors may recommend fever/pain relief such as paracetamol or other approved medicines; follow professional guidance and avoid self-prescribing.
In some cases, antiviral medicines may be prescribed, especially if started early and for people at higher risk or with more severe symptoms; these require a prescription.
Antibiotics are not routinely given unless a bacterial infection is suspected or confirmed.
Supportive home care (hydration, nutritious food, rest, hand hygiene, cough etiquette) helps prevent spread; in India, seek care at a PHC or government hospital if symptoms worsen, and discuss vaccination with a doctor as a preventive option.