Most people who suffer from flu (influenza) have a very mild illness and have no need to see a doctor. However, there are some cases whereby it is deemed necessary see a doctor. In this article, we talk about flu and when to call our GP home doctor for a flu in Costa del Sol.
What is flu?
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses infect the nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. Flu can cause a mild to severe illness and it can even be fatal. Our GP home doctor for a flu in Costa del Sol explains that the best way to help prevent the flu is by having a flu vaccine every year.
Many medical experts believe flu viruses spread in tiny droplets that are made when people with the flu cough, talk, or sneeze. The droplets can land in another person’s mouth or in their noses. Someone is a lot less likely to get the flu by touching a surface or an object that has the virus on it.
The Symptoms of the Flu
Most people who suffer from flu (influenza) have a very mild illness and have no need to see a doctor. Our GP home doctor for a flu in Costa del Sol put together the following signs and symptoms of a flu:
Fever above 38C, though not everyone with the flu has a fever
- A cough or a sore throat
- A runny or a stuffy nose
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea (These most commonly occur in children)
With a bit of rest and some self-care measures at home, most healthy people will can get better within 1 week, although their dry cough may last for 2-3.
However, those who are at a greater risk of serious complications should call our GP home doctor for a flu in Costa del Sol.
When to call our GP home doctor for a flu in Costa del Sol
If you are at a high risk of flu-related complications and you suspect you have the flu, call our GP home doctor for a flu in Costa del Sol immediately. If you have a severe disease there is a greater chance that the flu could lead to pneumonia, sinus infections, bronchitis, hospitalization, or (rarely) death.
You have an increased risk of complications if you:
- Are younger than 1 year old
- Are 65 years of age or older
- Are pregnant or you have given birth in the last 2 weeks
- Are younger than 19 years of age have long-term aspirin therapy
- Have conditions such as asthma, heart disease, an airway abnormality, diabetes, liver or blood disease, neurological or neurodevelopmental disease, or kidney disease.
- If you have a BMI of 40+
- You are also at risk if you have a weakened immune system due to using steroids, or any immunosuppressants, you are receiving chemotherapy, you’ve had an organ transplant or you have HIV.
If you're in one of the above groups or you have a severe influenza infection, our GP home doctor for a flu in Costa del Sol may prescribe antiviral medication to help reduce the severity and the length of your symptoms.