Flu FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on August 20, 2008 by admin
Q: What is the flu?
A: The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory viral infection caused by type A or type B influenza viruses. Flu is a highly contagious virus that usually enters the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes and infects the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can be inhaled by those nearby. Usually, school children are the first to get the flu and then carry it home and elsewhere. The flu usually strikes in fall and winter.
Q: What’s the difference between flu symptoms and cold symptoms? How do I know which one I’ve got?
  Both the flu and cold are viral infections that cause symptoms like coughing and sore throat. But here’s the difference: a cold is a minor viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu is usually more severe , with the sudden onset of distinct flu symptoms like high fever, aches and pains… symptoms that usually don’t accompany a cold.
Q:

Isn’t there a lab test that can confirm I have the flu?
  There is, but these lab tests take a long time to process and are costly, so they are usually only used to investigate an outbreak. Your doctor will probably diagnose you based on your flu symptoms.
   
Q: What range of flu symptoms do most people get?
A:

The flu generally strikes 1 to 3 days after exposure to someone who has the virus. It tends to come on very suddenly and hit like a ton of bricks. Common flu symptoms include fever and chills, cough, muscle pain and body aches, headache, fatigue and weakness. Some people also get a stuffy nose and sore throat.
   
Q: Is the flu dangerous?
A:

A bad case of the flu will probably send a healthy person to bed for 3 to 5 days. Afterwards, you will recover but cough and tiredness may persist for days or weeks. However, for some people, the flu can be very serious and even lead to death. Past flu epidemics have caused up to half a million fatalities. People over 50 years or people with chronic illnesses (such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma and HIV) are more likely to get seriously ill with the flu and develop other infections like pneumonia. If you fit that description, you should visit your doctor at the first sign of flu symptoms.
   
Q: I’ve heard the flu bug can mutate and change, making it harder to prevent?
A: There are two ways in which flu viruses can change. One is a slow, gradual change that leads to new influenza strains. These new strains circulate during flu season and lead to yearly outbreaks. The other kind of change is more abrupt and results in new forms of the virus. This happens rarely but when it does, large numbers of people who don’t have immunity become sick, resulting in global epidemics called pandemics.
 

In 1997, an outbreak of bird flu in Hong Kong was eventually contained but it raised the alarm around the world that another major epidemic could be pending. The worst pandemic occurred in 1918 and killed more than 20 million people. Subsequent pandemics in 1957 and 1968 also resulted in many deaths.
   
Q: Can the flu be cured with antibiotics?
A:

No. The flu is a viral infection, so it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics kill bacteria and are, therefore, only useful for treating bacterial infections. And taking antibiotics when they aren’t called for is not only unhelpful to your condition and a waste of money, it contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, a major public health problem.
   
Q: Can the flu be prevented?
 A: Your best protection from the flu is with an annual flu shot, which is 70 – 90% effective in preventing the flu in healthy adults. But even if you’ve had a flu shot, you can still get the flu. That’s because the shot may not protect you from all strains of influenza. Also, it takes about 3 weeks for your system to build up its protection after receiving a flu shot. So if the flu bug is around, you may still be at risk.
   
 

How to Avoid Getting the Flu:

 
  • Get a flu shot well in advance of flu season.
  • With or without a flu shot, consider an antiviral treatment such as Tamiflu if:
  • You have flu symptoms that appeared in the last day or two.
  • You spend time with someone who has the flu.
  • There’s a flu outbreak in your community.
  • If you want to take all precautions against getting the flu, either visit your doctor or consult with our physicians at eDrugStore.md to inquire about a flu treatment, such as Tamiflu. Our online consultation is free and is conducted from the privacy and comfort of your home. See the list of available flu products below.
   
 

How to Treat the Flu Once You’ve Got It:

 
  • Keep your distance from others during flu season. If you’re coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth to protect others.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Drink lots of fluids like water, juice and clear soup. This may help loosen mucus, relieve the feeling of congestion, and prevent dehydration.
  • Stay home and rest so you don’t spread the flu to others. You are contagious the day before you even have symptoms. And you remain contagious 3 or 4 days after you get sick.
  • Take a pain reliever like acetaminophen to reduce body aches and fever. It won’t cure your flu but may help you to feel better while it runs its course.
  • If you want to get over your flu faster, either visit your doctor or consult with our physicians at eDrugStore.md and get a prescription for a flu prevention / flu treatment medication.
   
Q: Where can I learn more about these flu medications and order them?
A: Right here:
 

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