Seasonal influenza (the flu) is a severe respiratory infection caused by the influenza viruses.
Influenza is identified as a viral disease prevalent in different parts of the world because this strain of human sickening disease easily spreads among humans. A simple cough or sneeze, transmitting the virus through mucus or saliva is how influenza infection spreads.
With the onset of winter, influenza cases begin receiving a sharp rise. In the context of Nepal, the transmission of influenza was found all year round. Between 10 to 20 percent of the global population gets infected by influenza every.
In the context of Influenza in Nepal, the year 2019 concluded that 1213 samples from a total of 3606 suspected swab specimens resulted in positive influenza virus infection.
This is 33.6 percent of the total specimen amassed questioning the dire situation in Nepal to control this flu!
Symptoms Of Influenza
Influenza begins showcasing symptoms at around the 2-day mark since the virus enters an individual’s body. The common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough (usually dry)
- Severe headache
- Intense muscle aches and joint issues
- Painful and sore throat
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea and vomiting (usually affecting children)
Now that the symptoms have been identified, the bulging query is regarding addressing these distressing symptoms. Usually, the symptoms get better in 2 weeks.
What Treatments Soothes This Disease’s Symptoms?
Influenza virus although causes a variety of bed reddening symptoms, recovery is almost fully made by the majority of infections, that too on their own.
Depending on the severity of the infection, opting for a self home care or hospital admission is usually the approach. Here is a list of nurturing care to deliver:
- Rest and Hydration:
- Getting tons of rest and relaxation allows the immune system to battle off the virus. Drinking fluids, mainly warm and soothing like soups, warm water, herbal teas, and organic juices retain the hydration levels in the body.
- Over-the-counter medications:
- For the common symptoms of fever and headache, over-the-counter medications available at your nearest pharmacy to subside the throbbing bodily aches can be used.
- Likewise, for severe coughs, congestion, nasal blockages, discomfort, and running nose, medications help relieve the situation
- Home Remedies:
- To ease up the built-up congestion and picking pain in the chest, warm soup, teas, and broths can be cooked and taken.
- Also, the sore throat condition gets better with gargling lukewarm salt water. This is an effective home remedy!
What About Influenza Vaccination?
Effective vaccination campaigns kick in as the safest approach to stay away from an infection. Vaccination is important for travelers traveling to an area prone to the disease, passing through an area prone to the disease, or traveling from an area prone to the infection.
People below the age of 65 can administer doses of inactivated influenza vaccine [IIV], recombinant influenza vaccine [RIV], live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), and other types too depending on availability. There isn’t any particular preference over the other.
However, individuals aged 65 and older, preferentially should stick to 3 specific flu vaccines, namely Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine, and Flud Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
At Era, we make sure that your health is our top priority, and vaccinations such as that of influenza are actively and expertly provided to patients and individuals needing a dose.
If you are a tourist visiting Nepal, or already enjoying your stay, Era International Hospital is your trusted healthcare partner. We offer world-class medical facilities and specialized care tailored to the needs of international visitors. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to providing you with exceptional medical treatment during your time in Nepal.
