Seasons in the Indian sub-continent are often categorized by the spread of diseases. Summers are known for diarrhea and jaundice; post monsoon we can witness the spread of malaria and dengue; finally comes the common flu during summer.
A layman usually gets confused between the common cold and the flu. But there are a few noticeable differences, like,
- A person suffering from a cold rarely has a fever but it is very common in the flu.
- One suffers from a sore throat, stuffed nose, and cough during a common cold. Contrary to this, flu also witnesses muscle pains, chills, and at times vomiting.
- Headache is very common in the flu whereas it’s hardly diagnosed during the cold.
HOW CAN WE GET INFECTED WITH THE FLU (CAUSES)??
The influenza virus travels via droplets present in the air. The droplet remains in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A non-infected person can catch it directly or indirectly.
- You can become a victim of the flu; when an infected person sneezes or coughs near you.
- One can also catch the flu by coming in contact with surfaces already contaminated by flu germs. To exemplify, keyboard keys, phone surfaces or even touching infected door knobs or handles.
WHO ALL ARE AT HIGHER RISK FOR INFLUENZA??
Some people are at increased risk of certain diseases than others. Certain health conditions in one’s body can make one more prone to catching the flu. People at high risk may include:
- WORKPLACE CONDITION: At specific workplaces the chances of catching flu increases (hospitals or military barracks). Patients admitted to hospitals for any ailment are also prone to the flu.
- AGE FACTOR: Children below the age of 2 and senior citizens (above 60 years) are more prone to flu due to weak immunity.
- ALREADY TOSSED IMMUNE SYSTEM: People suffering from critical illnesses like cancer, HIV, Hepatitis, etc. are more prone to influenza as their immune system has already weakened due to the severity of their condition.
- CHRONIC AILMENTS: People suffering from diabetes, thyroid, liver or heart disease have more chances of catching influenza.
- OBESITY: Research has found that people with BMI more than 40 have an increased chance of getting this disease.
- ASPIRIN UNDER 19 YEARS: A person prescribed with the use of aspirin under the age of 19 has more chance of getting the flu.
Influenza can turn out to be fatal if not timely treated. Contact your medical practitioner immediately in case you encounter symptoms related to the flu.
Written by: Ruchi Mehta
Health Blogger
