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  1. Flu - Overview

    Verified Expert
    Also known as: influenza
    A disease caused by virus infecting the respiratory tract.
    How common is condition?
    Very common (More than 3 million cases per year in US)
    Is condition treatable?
    Treatable by a medical professional
    Does diagnosis require lab test or imaging?
    Rarely requires lab test or imaging
    Time taken for recovery
    Can last several days or weeks
    Is condition preventable by vaccine?
    May be preventable by vaccine
    How is condition transmitted?
    Transmitted through airborne exposure
    See more

    Causes

    Verified Expert

    • Flu is caused by influenza virus of Class A, B and C. Flu spreads directly or indirectly from airborne droplets produced during sneezing or coughing.
    • Elderly people over 65 years of age are at a higher risk of infection. The others inlcude:
    • Adults suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
    • With chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer
    • With poor immune system

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    Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    The symptoms include:

    • Fever
    • Malaise
    • Headache
    • Runny nose
    • Sneezing
    • Reduced sense of smell
    • Metallic taste in mouth
    • Chills
    • Cough
    • Body pain or muscle pain
    • Sore throat

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    Flu (Influenza): Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment
    Cleveland Clinic

    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    Most of the time flu goes away without treatment. Taking medication can help relieve symptoms. Bed rest will help in faster recovery.

    Medication

    Antivirals: To treat specific viral infections.

    Oseltamivir . Zanamivir

    Antihistamines: It helps to relieve symptoms such as nasal discharge and sneezing.

    Brompheniramine . Chlorpheniramine

    Cough suppressants: To relieve cough, in the form of cough drops or cough syrup.

    Dextromethorphan

    See more
    Microsoft Start Health

    Diagnosis

    Verified Expert
    One or more of these tests may be recommended by your medical provider.
    Flu test may be suggested in some cases for diagnosis.

    Common tests & procedures

    Physical examination: Symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue are assessed.

    Rapid antigen test: To check the presence of antigen on a swab sample, which is taken from the back of the nose or throat.

    See more
    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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    Table of Contents
    Overview
    Causes
    Symptoms
    Treatment
    Health guide
    Diagnosis
     
  1. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org › diseases-conditions › flu › ...

    Influenza (flu) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  3. WebMD
    https://www.webmd.com › cold-and-flu › ss › slideshow...

    Do I Have The Flu? Flu Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention.

  4. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org › health › dis…

    Flu (Influenza): Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment

    What is the flu (influenza)? The flu is an illness you get from the influenza virus. It causes symptoms like head and body aches, sore throat, fever and respiratory symptoms, which can be severe. Flu is most common in winter months, when …

  6. Interesting reads - Flu

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  7. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov › flu

    Influenza (Flu) | Influenza (Flu) | CDC - Centers for …

    Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Learn about flu, including symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options.

  8. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov › flu › signs-symptoms

    Signs and Symptoms of Flu | Influenza (Flu) | CDC

    Aug 26, 2024 · Learn about identifying flu symptoms, how the diagnosis works, common complications, and more.

  9. CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov › flu › takingcare

    Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick | Influenza (Flu) | CDC

    Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care.

  10. Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Influenza

    Influenza - Wikipedia

    Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms range from mild to severe and often include fever , runny nose , sore throat , muscle pain , headache , coughing , and fatigue .

  11. WHO
    https://www.who.int › news-room › fact-shee…

    Influenza (seasonal) - World Health Organization (WHO)

    Oct 3, 2023 · Seasonal influenza (the flu) is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It is common in all parts of the world. Most people recover without treatment. Influenza spreads easily between people when they cough …

  12. MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov › ency › article

    Flu: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

    Jul 23, 2024 · The flu (influenza) is a viral respiratory illness that causes fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, and cough. It spreads easily from person to person. The flu can cause moderate to severe symptoms.

  13. MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov › flu.html

    Flu | Flu Symptoms | Stomach Flu | Influenza

    Feb 28, 2024 · The flu, also called influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses. Each year, millions of Americans get sick with the flu. Sometimes it causes mild illness. But it can also be serious or even deadly, especially for …