Written by Dr. Rachna Kucheria (MBBS MAMC New Delhi, MD AIIMS New Delhi, MD (Family Medicine) USC California), one of the best general physicians in Delhi NCR.
Although most people get a mild version and are able to stay home, Flu can become critical in some people. And so you do need to know about Flu
This season, a 34-year old man came to see me because he’d been nursing a fever and cold symptoms for a week. His fever and cold had gotten worse through the week and he’d also developed a cough alongside. To make things worse, he felt very uneasy and was unable to take full breaths. In the meantime, he saw a doctor and was taking the prescribed medicines while he was waiting to feel better.
My examination revealed that he was breathing too rapidly and with difficulty, and his chest sounded wet and heavy with a serious infection of the lungs, which was most likely a complication of the flu. Given the Flu/Swine Flu scenario in Delhi during this time of the year and the rising diagnoses, I was suspicious that my patient could also be suffering from it. I sent him to a hospital emergency room for a further test, which confirmed the diagnosis of Flu. As I write this blog post, my patient is in the ICU but on the path to recovery.
This particular case shows how important it is to take flu-like symptoms seriously. It is important for people to educate themselves about Flu/Swine Flu. I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions that will help you understand the symptoms, precautions, and treatment a lot better.
What is Flu/Swine Flu and how do I recognise it?
An illness caused by different sub- types of influenza (flu) virus, usual common symptoms are :
- Fever above 38C/100.4F
- Runny nose, sore throat, headache
- Shortness of breath, cough
- Severe tiredness/fatigue
- Aching muscles
Most people would start with a runny nose and a sore throat and over the next few days develop a fever and/ or body aches.
The Flu (Influenza) virus transmits via air, e.g. through an infected person who coughs or sneezes around you. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces or objects like handrails, doorknobs, paper money, etc, on which the coughed out particles might have settled recently.
I think I have some of these symptoms.What should I do?
If the symptoms are mild, you can stay at home. Rest and take paracetamol in the correct dose, as needed. Consult your General Physicians if you have any questions or if you:
- have conditions such as diabetes, neurological conditions, lung disease, heart, liver or kidney disease
- Are pregnant
- Are over 65
- If any of your symptoms have not improved within 3 days
- Feel something is wrong and you can’t put your finger on it
How can I protect myself from Flu?
The best way to protect yourself from Flu/Swine Flu is to ensure a clean and sanitary environment. Wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds as far as possible, and keep a minimum 6-feet distance from someone who shows flu-like symptoms or is frequently coughing and sneezing.
Is there a Vaccine for Flu/Swine Flu? And who should take it?
The Swine Flu vaccine is now built into the seasonal flu vaccine, and it is available at many hospitals. However, you should keep in mind that the vaccine does not offer 100% personal immunity from the disease.
Experts suggest that given that the effects of Flu/swine flu are usually mild, healthy people can choose to get this vaccine in consultation with their Doctor.
But the vaccine is recommended for people at a high risk of complications – like elderly, pregnant women, diabetics, patients of heart disease, and healthcare workers.
If you are a right candidate for the vaccine and are going to take it, check that the vaccine is a correct choice for that particular season, since Flu vaccines change each year.
How can I recognise Swine Flu if the symptoms are similar to the regular flu?
If your doctor suspects Swine Flu, based on their clinical assessment, they may prescribe a lab test done with a nasal swab. The swab test is not painful, but might be a bit uncomfortable for a few seconds. The test reports are usually available within a day and only select labs are certified to run this test.
Is there a treatment for Swine Flu?
Consult a doctor. Based on the clinical assessment your Doctor may prescribe rest & fluids, in some cases with an antiviral medication (a common brand is Tamiflu) or refer you to the hospital for admission.
Flu.
This season, a 34-year old man came to see me because he’d been nursing a fever and cold symptoms for a week. His fever and cold had gotten worse through the week and he’d also developed a cough alongside. To make things worse, he felt very uneasy and was unable to take full breaths. In the meantime, he saw a doctor and was taking the prescribed medicines while he was waiting to feel better.
My examination revealed a serious infection of the lungs, which was most likely a complication of the flu. Given the Flu/Swine Flu scenario in Delhi during this time of the year and the rising diagnoses, I was suspicious that my patient could also be suffering from it. I sent him to a hospital emergency room for a further test, which confirmed the Swine Flu diagnosis. As I write this blog post, my patient is in the ICU but on the path to recovery.
This particular case shows how important it is to take flu-like symptoms seriously. It is important for people to educate themselves about Flu/Swine Flu. I’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions that will help you understand the symptoms, precautions, and treatment a lot better.
What is Flu/Swine Flu and how do I recognise it?
An illness caused by different sub- types of influenza (flu) virus, usual common symptoms are :
- Fever above 38C/100.4F
- Runny nose, sore throat, headache
- Shortness of breath, cough
- Severe tiredness/fatigue
- Aching muscles
The Flu (Influenza) virus transmits via air, e.g. through an infected person who coughs or sneezes around you. It can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces or objects like handrails, doorknobs, paper money, etc.
I think I have some of these symptoms.What should I do?
If the symptoms are mild, you can stay at home. Rest and take Crocin in the correct dose, as needed. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or:
- If you have conditions such as diabetes, neurological conditions, lung disease, heart, liver or kidney disease
- Are pregnant
- Are over 65
- If any of your symptoms have not improved within 2-3 days
How can I protect myself from Flu?
The best way to protect yourself from Swine Flu is to ensure a clean and sanitary environment. Wash your hands frequently, avoid large crowds as far as possible, and keep a minimum 3-feet distance from someone who shows flu-like symptoms or is frequently coughing and sneezing.
Is there a Vaccine for Flu/Swine Flu? And who should take it?
The Swine Flu vaccine is now built in to the seasonal flu vaccine, and it is available at many hospitals. However, you should keep in mind that the vaccine does not offer 100% personal immunity from the disease.
Experts suggest that given that the effects of Flu/swine flu are usually mild, healthy people can choose to get this vaccine in consultation with their Doctor.
But the vaccine is recommended for people at a high risk of complications – like elderly, pregnant women, diabetics, patients of heart disease, and healthcare workers.
How can I recognise Swine Flu if the symptoms are similar to the regular flu?
If your doctor suspects Swine Flu, based on their clinical assessment, they may prescribe a lab test done with a nasal swab. The test reports are usually available within a day and only select labs are certified to run this test.
Is there treatment for Swine Flu?
Consult a doctor. Based on the clinical assessment your Doctor may prescribe rest & fluids, in some cases with an anti-viral medication (a common brand is Tamiflu) or refer you to the hospital for admission.
Dr. Rachna Kucheria is one of the best general physicians in India. She is a US-trained physician (Family Practice) on the lines of the old-fashioned ‘Family Doctor’ we grew up with and hope to find again. Her emphasis on early, accurate diagnosis; appropriate (few) medicines; and clear patient communication, sets her apart as one of the most trusted physicians in Delhi. She is licensed to practice medicine both in India & California. Her 27 years of experience includes practicing in the hospital, clinic, and (patient) home setting, and for the last 4 years, telemedicine.
DocGenie is an online telemedicine platform that provides you with quality healthcare from the best doctors in the comfort of your own space. On DocGenie, you will find a select few, highly-qualified doctors, unlike other online platforms with thousands of doctors. So you can be assured of receiving excellent, honest, personalized care from the best professionals.