For many of us flu seems to be a common disease of cold season. We only look at it more serious if somebody gets complications. Despite the fact that medicine is improving every day, about 10% of all patients have a serious form of it and 2% – die.
Any of us can get influenza. Older people, diabetics, people who have chronic lung and heart diseases, also those who have weak immune system and pregnant women have a greater risk. Flu virus is very small, so it manages to penetrate into almost any human organ. Because of the flu, many protective functions of the human body become weaker, which can cause serious complications.
The biggest risk of complications is for children from 6 months to 2 years old and for people older than 65. it is important to remember that flue can also lead to various chronic diseases. If flue develops to pneumonia it can even be fatal. The most common flue complications are viral or bacterial infections, inflammation of lungs or ear, sinusitis and tonsillitis. Rare but very serious complications are inflammation of heart muscle and meningitis.
When the flue season starts, you should try to reduce your stays in public places and if possible not to use public transport. If you get flue, you should stay in bed in order to avoid complications. Drink lots of fluids as when you have fever, your body loses them. If you have fever, you must take medications. In order to prevent flue, make sure to get enough of vitamins, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, make sure you sleep enough.