What causes the flu and what can you do? Jun 23, 2022 Share With COVID-19 taking most of our attention over the past two years, it’s easy to forget that other viruses are still in our midst. Like the flu! Now that Aotearoa's borders have opened again, our chances of catching the flu are much higher. The arrival of international visitors means that both new and re-occurring strains of flu will be moving around our communities. What is the flu? Clinically known as influenza, the flu is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the upper and lower respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). There are several different strains of the influenza virus, and new strains emerge and circulate from year to year. The symptoms for each type of flu are the same. The seasonal flu vaccination is usually altered each year to help protect you from any new strains of the flu virus. Common flu symptoms Symptoms will usually set in within a week after you’ve been exposed to the flu virus. Flu typically begins with a fever, and major symptoms last for around seven to 10 days. During the first 2-4 days, symptoms can include: Body aches, muscle pain, chills Fatigue High fever Loss of appetite Headache Nausea Shortness of breath Swollen lymph nodes These symptoms usually pass by around day 4, but are replaced by other viral symptoms, including: Cough (either dry or with phlegm) Runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion Chest congestion and soreness Sore throat What are typical flu causes? Airborne transmission is the most common way for the flu to spread[1]. If an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, they expel viral droplets which can be breathed in by those around them. Once the virus has entered your body, it infects the lining of your nose, throat, and lungs within about 48 hours. People with the flu are most contagious in the first week after their symptoms begin, but the contagious period can also begin a day before symptoms appear - which is why many people spread the virus before they realise they’re sick. Although the risk is lower, you can also pick up the virus if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after handling items or touching surfaces that an infected person has been in contact with. The flu virus can survive for up to 12 hours on cloth or tissues, and up to two days or hard surfaces such as plastic or metal[2]. Flu can spread even more quickly in environments that are warm, humid, and crowded. A large group of people who are sharing the same space (such as an office or a school) can get sick within just a few days. How to treat flu symptoms While there’s no ‘cure’ for the flu, there are plenty of cold and flu products to help ease your symptoms. A stuffy nose and blocked sinuses can feel awful! Nasal spray like Sudafed Nasal Decongestant Sinus Relief Spray or Neilmed Sinus Rinse Kit can help clear your airways and get you breathing normally again. There’s also a great natural option, Otrivin Natural Nasal Spray with Seawater and Eucalyptus. Decongestants can provide fast relief from most flu symptoms, including fever and body aches. Formulas with phenylephrine such as Codral Day and Night also help to relieve congestion. For a nagging cough, try good old Bonnington's Irish Moss Cough Syrup. Or tackle chest congestion and muscle aches in one go with Vicks VapoRub ointment. Chicken soup, anyone? Research has shown that hot chicken soup can actually help ease the inflammation and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections[3]. Should I be worried about getting the flu? The flu isn’t just time off work and a week of feeling miserable. It can pose a serious health risk to some groups, especially young children and those who are 65+ or older, or for Māori and Pacific people aged 55 and over. Those with conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or immune disorders are at an even greater risk of severe complications and may even end up requiring hospitalisation. In extreme cases, the flu can be deadly. Flu during pregnancy can also be harmful to both the baby and mother[4]. For these reasons, it’s important to protect yourself and others with a flu shot. What can you do to prevent the flu? Your best defence is with a seasonal flu vaccination. This vaccine has been proven as a highly effective way to reduce your risk of getting sick. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce antibodies for the flu virus[5]. These antibodies help your body to recognise the virus if it enters your body so that your immune system can fight it more efficiently. Yes, you can still get the flu after you’ve been vaccinated, but your symptoms will usually be less severe and your risk of complications much lower. For those in high-risk groups, a flu vaccination may be their best chance of survival. You can get your annual flu shot in selected Bargain Chemist stores. Here’s where you can book a flu vaccination through the website or in store. You can also reduce the risk of catching (and spreading) flu with simple hygiene practises. Stay home if you’re sick Maintain a safe distance from people who have symptoms Regularly wash your hands with soap and water Use hand sanitizer in public places, such as supermarkets, buses, malls, gyms Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze Wear a face mask in public Remember, the flu vaccine is free for over-65s and Māori or Pasifika aged 55+. Book yours today! [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3682679/ [2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6282993/ [3] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/10/001018075252.htm [4] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/irv.12055 [5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1980401/ Always read the label, use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Share Previous articleNext article