Signs Of The Flu In Adults

Flu Statistics - Deaths

Influenza, or "the flu" as it is commonly called, is something that affects adults and children alike, and almost everyone gets the flu at one point or another.

Signs of the flu in adults Some common signs of the flu in adults are fever (usually 100-103F), cough, sore throat, runny or stuff nose, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and generally feeling bad. Body aches are common and so are nausea and vomiting and possibly diarrhea, especially in children with the flu. The "stomach flu," by the way, is caused by a different bacteria and is not actually the flu at all.

When an adult has the flu, he or she will usually get over it on their own in about one to two weeks. But since the virus can be so debilitating to normal life and routine, most people seek medical treatment to help them get over it more quickly. Getting treatment within the first two days of noticing signs of the flu will greatly reduce the period of time flu symptoms last. However, there are also some cases of influenza that lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia or even death.

Flu statistics - deaths Recent flu statistics show that nearly 20,000 deaths per year can be associated with the flu and many more serious complications that require hospitalization. If you suspect that you have the flu or if you have already been diagnosed with the flu and it is not getting better with time and treatment, contact your doctor immediately. Young children, elderly adults and people who already have lung problems or a breathing condition such as asthma are at greater risk of complications from the influenza virus.

Some people are so used to hearing about the flu that they think getting the flu is a normal part of life. The truth is that you don’t have to suffer from influenza every flu season: there are things you can do to prevent it. Take the flu seriously and get treatment as early as possible. Don’t just wait for it to go away on its own or you could develop more serious lung or breathing disorders.

Flu shot benefits The most important thing you can do to prevent contracting the flu is to get a flu shot. The flu shot is especially important for young children, the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system or that may be pregnant during the flu season. The flu has a higher death rate and more severe symptoms that other viral infections and upper respiratory infections such as the common cold.
 

You can find additional information about the flu by typing a relevant keyword or phrase in the search box below.

 

Tweet