The flu is one of the most unpleasant common illnesses. The pains and aches, fever, chills, and cough are unpleasant enough; add to that the other probable flu symptoms, such as vomiting, runny nose, diarrhea, sore throat or tiredness, and you'll want the sickness to end as soon as possible. How long does it take to recover from the flu? Is it true that treating the flu makes it go away faster? The answers depend on your specific health situation. Keep reading to know more and when to call our GP support for flu in Fuengirola.
Understanding flu
The flu, often known as influenza, is a highly infectious respiratory virus caused by one of three viruses: influenza A, B, or C. The droplets that sick people produce when they cough and sneeze are the primary means by which diseases such as colds and the flu spread from person to person. You can also catch the flu via saliva passed on through everyday contact, such as kissing or sharing dining utensils.
How long does the flu last?
For the majority of healthy people, the flu is an unpleasant but short-term sickness that resolves when the immune system fights it off. Symptoms often emerge one to four days after viral contact and persist five to seven days. People who have had a flu vaccination may experience fewer or less severe symptoms. Others may experience symptoms for a longer period of time. Even if your symptoms go away, you may still feel tired.
Some persons are more vulnerable to influenza complications. These people include:
- people 65 or older
- the very young
- pregnant women
- those suffering from chronic diseases such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes or HIV
- individuals having a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
People in such categories may have weaker immune systems and are more likely to get pneumonia, which can be fatal. If you fall into those categories, make sure to call our GP support for flu in Fuengirola.
Treating flu
If you come down with the flu, you should relax and drink lots of water.Take pain medications to reduce your temperature and ease pains.
If you are at high risk of complications and the virus is still in its early stages, our GP support for flu in Fuengirola may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat the flu.
When to call our GP support for flu in Fuengirola
If you or someone is at high risk of flu-related complications and you suspect the flu, call our GP support for flu in Fuengirola. Those who are at high risk of flu-related complications or who have severe illness are more likely to develop sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and, in rare cases, hospitalization or death. It can also exacerbate existing health issues including congestive heart failure and asthma.
You are at higher risk of flu-related complications if you:
- Are pregnant or have given birth in the past two weeks
- Are under the age of 12 months
- Are 65 years old or older
- Are under the age of 19 and getting long-term aspirin treatment
- Have a compromised immune system as a result of causes such as long-term use of steroids or other immunosuppressants, organ transplant, HIV, chemotherapy for cancer or blood cancer
- Have an airway abnormalities, heart illness, asthma, neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder diabetes and blood, renal, or liver disease
ive in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home - Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater
- Are in the hospital