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Influenza is an acute respiratory illness that is highly contagious, occurs during the winter months, and can cause mild to very serious illness, especially in older people or those with underlying health conditions.

How is influenza transmitted?

Influenza, like all respiratory viruses, is transmitted through close contact through coughing, sneezing, and talking, spreading the virus in small droplets. It is also transmitted when we touch surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus and then touch our eyes, nose, or mouth.

How can we avoid getting the flu?

Avoiding the transmission of influenza or other respiratory infections can be done by following simple rules, such as:

• Frequent hand washing and use of antiseptics.
• Avoiding crowded places or using a mask when entering them.
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
• Covering our mouths when coughing
• Staying home when we have symptoms of a respiratory infection

When is the flu season?

In Greece, seasonal influenza outbreaks appear in October and increase from January, peaking in February-March, and subsiding in April.

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The flu, like most respiratory infections, has common symptoms, the most common of which are the following:

• Fever, chills
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Dyspnea
• General malaise
• Myalgias
• Headache
• Diarrheal stools

It is important to contact our doctor immediately if we experience symptoms in our respiratory system, in order to have an immediate diagnosis and protect ourselves and our loved ones from any serious complications.

Who is most at risk from the flu?

Usually, in the healthy population, flu is a self-limiting disease. However, there are certain population groups that are more vulnerable to the disease and have a higher risk of developing serious or fatal complications, such as pneumonia and the worsening of serious chronic respiratory and cardiac problems. These high-risk groups include the elderly, people with lung disease, heart disease, cancer, patients with diabetes or severe immunosuppression and generally all people with compromised health, regardless of their age.

How long does the flu last?

It can take 1 to 4 days from the moment of infection with the flu virus until symptoms appear. Symptoms of the disease usually last from 2 to 7 days, provided there are no complications.

How is influenza different from other respiratory infections?

Because the symptoms of influenza are similar to those of other respiratory infections, such as the common cold, coronavirus, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the safest way to differentiate an infection is in the laboratory. This facilitates immediate and correct treatment.

How is influenza treated?

As a viral disease, influenza resolves on its own and medical intervention involves the pharmacological treatment of symptoms, with the administration of antipyretics and oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu). Antibiotics have no effect on the disease and have no place in its treatment.

Is there a way to protect myself from the flu?

The most important weapon against the flu and respiratory viruses in general is vaccination. Vaccination is necessary to be repeated every year, especially by people at increased risk, as a shield against possible mutations of the flu virus.

Prevention saves lives!