As January gets underway, cold and flu season is still in full swing. While the first wave has already peaked, influenza is unpredictable. Flu season can have many peaks of activity.
During flu season, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) analyzes flu data. Currently, flu activity is on the decline in the United States. But other respiratory viruses are still running rampant.
My husband is struggling with allergies, and I’m feeling – well, something. Under the weather, for sure. You might feel a bit off-kilter, too. Is it winter allergies or an emerging cold? Influenza or COVID?
Today, we’ll look at the flu and flu-like illness. What’s the difference between them? And more important, how can we avoid getting sick?
Let’s find out.
📋 DISCLAIMER – Savoring Home does not provide health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on this website is for information only.
Flu and Flu-Like Illness
The flu – short for influenza – is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. The nose, throat, and lungs. It’s a contagious illness caused by the influenza virus type A or B.
Flu-like illness has similar symptoms to the flu, but it’s caused by a different virus. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or parainfluenza virus (PIV) for example. Or rhinovirus – the predominant cause of the common cold.
A flu diagnosis usually requires a swab test of the nose and throat. This is more likely for patients who are very sick – to rule out other, underlying causes.
Flu-like illness is a clinical diagnosis. It’s based on a physical examination and does not involve lab tests.
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Flu Symptoms
Flu symptoms vary from person to person. Their severity and duration depend on factors like age and general health. Most people with influenza experience some, if not all, of the following symptoms:
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- body aches
- headaches
- sore throat
- cough
- congestion
- watery eyes
- vomiting
- diarrhea
If your flu test comes back negative – or your doctor thinks you don’t have the flu – you may have flu-like illness.
The best treatment for flu and flu-like illness depends on the diagnosis. Here are some common treatments and home remedies.
Flu Treatment
If you have the flu, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to treat your illness. This can lessen your symptoms and shorten the time you’re sick – by a day or two.
For flu-like illness, you can take over-the-counter medicine. And wait for the virus to run its course. The following home remedies can also help with the flu and flu-like illness.
Flu Self-Care
1. Take a hot shower – If you’re congested, the steam from the shower will open your sinuses and promote drainage. If you’re too weak to stand in the shower, rest your head on a bath pillow and relax in a hot bath.
2. Drink lots of fluids – Water, chicken broth, ginger ale, herbal tea, or good ol’ Florida orange juice. ? Viral infections can cause dehydration, and fluids help replenish what you’ve lost.
3. Get plenty of sleep – Your body needs every ounce of energy it can muster, and the downtime will help you recover. So slip into some comfy pajamas and catch a wink. Or two.
Flu Prevention
Although a flu vaccination can reduce your risk of getting sick, it can’t guarantee that you won’t get the flu. No vaccine or medicine can prevent flu-like illness, either. But the following actions can help keep sickness minimal.
1. Avoid close contact – Don’t get too close to people who are sick. And keep your distance from others when YOU are sick.
2. Stay at home – Stay home from work, school, stores, and errands when you are sick. This will help keep germs from spreading to others.
3. Use a tissue – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This, too, will help prevent the spread of germs.
4. Wash your hands – Clean your hands with soap and water to rid them of germs and protect you from illness.
5. Use hand sanitizer – Don’t have soap and water? An alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also effective against germs.
6. Don’t touch your face – Keep your hands off your face, and don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
7. Disinfect your home – Disinfect the surfaces at home or work – especially if someone is ill. The bathroom is a good place to start.
8. Develop good habits – Practice good health habits like exercise, nutrition, and stress management. And make sure you get enough sleep.
9. Take antiviral drugs – Take flu medicine if your doctor prescribes it. Antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick. They can also prevent flu complications, such as pneumonia.
Wrapping It Up
Many people experience flu symptoms every year. Some people assume their flu shots didn’t work because they still got the flu. But the fact is, they may not have the flu at all – only flu-like illness.
Many viruses out there that can make you sick. If you feel bad and think you have the flu, see your doctor. The right diagnosis and treatment can ease your symptoms and set you on the road to wellness. ◻️
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Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. Did you get a flu shot this year? How else do you prevent the flu and flu-like illness?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
📋 NOTE – You are reading “Flu and Flu-Like Illness: How Can You Stay Healthy This Winter?” A version of this post appeared on this blog in 2018. It has been updated for the Savoring Home community.
