Seasonal Flu

Overview

Seasonal flu is a respiratory infection which is caused by the influenza virus. It affects people of all age groups, but children, the elderly, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people with weaker immune systems are more at risk. Influenza virus can spread through direct contact or through inhalation of air droplets when people infected with the viral infection coughs and sneezes. Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, headache, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fatigue, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Treatment of seasonal flu includes bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and relieving the symptoms that come with the flu. Medications used for this are neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir. People who have seasonal flu should stay at home to prevent spreading the disease to other people. Also, they must practice proper cough etiquette, such as covering up their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.