Flu or Flu – like illness – WESTONGROVE ADVICE
Influenza (flu) is caused by the influenza virus. However, many other viruses can cause an illness similar to flu. It is often difficult to say exactly which virus is causing the illness. Therefore, doctors commonly make a diagnosis of a 'flu-like illness'.
Each winter a different strain of the influenza virus causes an outbreak of flu which affects many people. During an outbreak of flu, if you get a 'flu-like' illness it is more likely to be caused by the influenza virus than by another type of virus.
In the weeks over Christmas the Westongrove practices have seen an increasing number of cases of Flu. We have been taking swabs from many of our patients as part of Westongrove research and so far we have discovered that the flu that is spreading locally is due to an Influenza Type A virus.
The good news is that the many patients who have had a flu immunisation this autumn should be protected against this particular virus.
What are the symptoms of flu or a flu-like illness?
Typical symptoms in adults and older children include: high temperature (fever), sweats, muscle aches, a dry cough, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. You may also feel sick. The flu illness caused by the influenza virus tends to be worse than illnesses caused by other viruses which cause a 'flu-like' illness. Even if you are young and fit, flu can make you ill enough to need to go to bed.
Symptoms in babies and young children can include: high temperature (fever), sweats, a cough, sore throat, sneezing, difficulty in breathing, lethargy, poor feeding. Some young children have a febrile convulsion when they have flu.
Symptoms peak after 1-2 days, and then usually gradually ease over several days. An irritating cough may persist for a week or so after other symptoms have gone. Most people recover completely within 1-2 weeks.
What is the treatment for flu and flu-like illnesses?
Your immune system will usually clear viruses that cause flu and flu-like illnesses. Treatment aims to ease symptoms until the infection goes.
· Paracetamol or ibuprofen will lower your temperature, and ease aches and pains.
· Have lots to drink to prevent dehydration (low body fluid).
Antibiotics
Antibiotics kill bacteria, but do not kill viruses. Therefore, they are not prescribed for viral illnesses such as flu or flu-like illnesses. However, they may be used if a complication develops such as a secondary bacterial chest infection or pneumonia.
The most common complication is a 'secondary' bacterial chest infection which may develop in addition to the virus infection. This can sometimes become serious and develop into pneumonia. A course of antibiotics will usually cure this. However, a secondary bacterial infection can sometimes becomes life-threatening, particularly in the frail and elderly. But note: with flu or a flu-like illness it is common to have a cough that lingers for 1-2 weeks after other symptoms have gone. Green sputum does not necessarily mean that you have a secondary chest infection. The symptoms to look out for that may indicate a secondary chest infection include: a recurrence of a high temperature, worsening of cough, shortness of breath, fast breathing, chest pain.
If you think you may have developed a complication or develop other symptoms that have not been described above, then please contact the practice.
Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs called Zanamivir (Ralenza) and Oseltamivir ( Tamiflu) are sometimes used for flu. They do not kill the virus but interfere with the way the virus multiplies. Therefore, they do not cure flu, but may reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, and may prevent complications. If you develop flu, an antiviral drug may be prescribed if you are at increased risk of developing complications.
If you have NOT had a flu immunisation you could qualify for anti viral treatment but you would ALSO have to be at increased risk because you fit into one of the following categories:
· Aged 65 or over
· chest, heart, diabetes or kidney conditions
· cancer treatment
· taking medication that lowers the immune system
Antiviral drugs need to be given soon after symptoms begin to be of any benefit. Also, an antiviral drug may be prescribed for you if you are high risk and have not been immunised to prevent flu - if you have been in close contact with a case of established flu. For example, if you live in a residential home and there is an outbreak of flu in the home.
Summary
Flu and flu-like illnesses typically cause a high temperature, muscle aches, a cough, and various other symptoms. Most people do not need to contact the practice and recover fully, but this guidance should help you recognize whether you are developing complications such as a chest infection or pneumonia or qualify for anti-viral drugs because you are particularly at risk.