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

January 31, 2023

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is an infection of respiratory system (that comprises of throat, nose, and lungs). Usually, flu gets better on its own, and does not require medical attention. However, sometimes it can get complicated and deadly. Individuals at high risk of getting influenza complications include:

  • Children under 2 years of age
  • Adults over 65 years
  • Residents of long-term care facilities or nursing homes
  • Pregnant women, or women planning to get pregnant in flu season
  • Individuals with weak immune system
  • Alaska natives or American Indians
  • Patients with chronic illness, including heart diseases, asthma, kidney diseases, diabetes, and liver disorders
  • Individuals with BMI higher than 40

Click here for more information about protection against influenza– by consultant Internal Medicine (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain)

For consultation regarding flu or any other internal disease, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and get an appointment with the best Internal Medicine doctor in Bahrain.

For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

Current Flu Symptoms  

Flu symptoms vary according to immune status, age and health condition of the patient. The current flu symptoms can be mild or severe, and usually include:

  • Feverish chills or fever
  • Cough
  • Runny or stuffed nose
  • Sore throat
  • Body and muscle ache
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Some patients, especially children, might have diarrhea and vomiting as well

The patients might have any one or multiple flu symptoms and treatment might be required. If you are looking for flu symptoms and treatment, consult an expert internal medicine doctor immediately. Contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, for early diagnosis and efficient treatment of influenza as well as other internal diseases.

How long does the flu last

How long does the flu last? It depends on the general health condition and immunity of the patient. Usually, people start feeling better within one week after the symptoms appear. However, there might be weakness/ tiredness and lingering cough for several weeks after the recovery. Taking precautionary measures, home remedies and prescribed medication can help in early recovery from flu.

Click here for more information about protection against influenza– by consultant Internal Medicine (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain)

Flu test

Flu generally comes in specific times of the year (flu season), and spreads from one person to another. A flu test helps the healthcare provider in identifying if you have a flu, or not. In case the patient has flu, medicines (known as anti-viral medication) would be prescribed to get rid of the virus. These medicines help in reducing the symptoms, and hence it is better to get the flu test done as soon as symptoms start appearing, or when you suspect that you might have flu.

What Causes the Flu?

Most of the people catch flu by breathing in tiny airborne droplets, that come from sneeze or cough of someone with flu. So basically, what causes the flu? The answer is: influenza virus. You can catch it by either breathing the airborne droplets or touching something with virus on it and later touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.

Stages of Flu Recovery  

Here is a breakdown of the stages of flu recovery:

Day 0: The patient is contagious, but not aware of the virus and is feeling fine

Day 1: symptoms start appearing

Day 2: symptoms have progressed considerably, and the patient is feeling ill

Day 3: symptoms are the most intense on this day

Day 4: patient starts feeling better, and symptoms begin receding

Day 5: symptoms continue to decrease, but there is cough

Day 6: the patient feels much better, but a little tired

Day 7: the patient feels even better, but has not recovered completely

Day 8: at this stage, the symptoms are all gone, and the patient has recovered completely

Flu Treatment

Usually, patients do not need any medication for flu treatment- taking rest and increasing flu intake is sufficient. However, if there is risk of complications, the healthcare provider would prescribe medication (anti-viral drugs) to shorten illness, and to prevent the risk of complications- specially for individuals at high risk of flu complications.

Click here for more information about protection against influenza– by consultant Internal Medicine (Al Hilal Hospital, Bahrain)

For consultation regarding flu or any other internal disease, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and get an appointment with the best Internal Medicine doctor in Bahrain.

Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine

If you have symptoms of flu or any other internal issue, consult an expert Internal Medicine Doctor at the earliest. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art laboratories, to provide early detection and treatment options for all patients.

Contact Al Hilal Hospital today, and get consultation with the best Internal Medicine Doctor for flu as well as other internal diseases. For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches.

We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

MBBS, MD, MRCP (UK)