Beware the flu: Critical symptoms you can’t ignore this winter
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As the winter chill sets in, so does the season for sniffles, coughs, and the dreaded flu. It's a time when the warmth of a cozy blanket is often accompanied by the less welcome presence of tissues and thermometers.
For our GrayVine community, staying informed and prepared is key to navigating these colder months with health and grace.
This year, the flu has made a notable comeback, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a significant rise in cases.
For the week ending January 4, a striking 18.6 percent of influenza tests returned positive results. The culprits? Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) are the primary variants at play, and they're not pulling any punches.
The CDC has highlighted an uptick in emergency department visits for diagnosed influenza, and the season's toll is already apparent with reported deaths.
Influenza, or the flu, is a formidable foe that targets the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs.
It's a crafty virus, spreading through the tiny droplets that escape when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. And when it strikes, it doesn't tiptoe in—it barges through the door.
The symptoms can be sudden and severe, including:
- Fevers above 100.4 degrees F
- A persistent, dry cough
- A sore throat that makes swallowing a chore
- A runny or stuffy nose that doesn't quit
- Body aches that make you yearn for relief
- Headaches that can range from nagging to debilitating
- Chills that have you reaching for extra layers
- And in some cases, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
These symptoms can hit harder for those over 65, the very young, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
The flu isn't content with just making you miserable for a few days. It can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The CDC warns of other potential dangers, including inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis), or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), and even multi-organ failure.
Adding to the complexity, flu symptoms can mirror those of COVID-19, making it difficult to tell them apart without testing. While both can cause severe illness, COVID-19 may lead to more serious conditions in some people and has a longer period of contagiousness.
A fever is a common flu symptom, but it's not a guaranteed one.
Some may experience a milder infection without a fever, especially those with weakened immune systems or older adults whose immune response may not be as robust.
Shaking off the flu typically takes one to two weeks, but recovery can vary based on age, health, and the severity of the infection. Those with underlying conditions may find the road to recovery a bit longer.
Influenza A and B are the main actors in seasonal flu outbreaks. Influenza A, which can infect birds and other animals as well as humans, often takes the lead during flu season. Influenza B, found mostly in humans, tends to cause milder illness but can still pack a punch.
The flu season stretches from October to May, peaking between December and February.
If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, it's not too late. The vaccine takes about two weeks to kick in, but it can still offer protection during the height of flu activity and reduce the severity of the illness if you do get sick.
Source: VA | VetResources
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. It's a simple step that can make a significant difference in your winter wellness plan.
Have you found effective ways to remember to take your medication or to keep your immune system strong? Let's come together as a community to support one another through these winter months in the comments below!
For our GrayVine community, staying informed and prepared is key to navigating these colder months with health and grace.
This year, the flu has made a notable comeback, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a significant rise in cases.
For the week ending January 4, a striking 18.6 percent of influenza tests returned positive results. The culprits? Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) are the primary variants at play, and they're not pulling any punches.
The CDC has highlighted an uptick in emergency department visits for diagnosed influenza, and the season's toll is already apparent with reported deaths.
Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu are surging, with flu being particularly prevalent during the winter season. Image source: Engin Akyurt / Pixabay.
Influenza, or the flu, is a formidable foe that targets the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs.
It's a crafty virus, spreading through the tiny droplets that escape when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. And when it strikes, it doesn't tiptoe in—it barges through the door.
The symptoms can be sudden and severe, including:
- Fevers above 100.4 degrees F
- A persistent, dry cough
- A sore throat that makes swallowing a chore
- A runny or stuffy nose that doesn't quit
- Body aches that make you yearn for relief
- Headaches that can range from nagging to debilitating
- Chills that have you reaching for extra layers
- And in some cases, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
These symptoms can hit harder for those over 65, the very young, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
The flu isn't content with just making you miserable for a few days. It can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The CDC warns of other potential dangers, including inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis), or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), and even multi-organ failure.
Adding to the complexity, flu symptoms can mirror those of COVID-19, making it difficult to tell them apart without testing. While both can cause severe illness, COVID-19 may lead to more serious conditions in some people and has a longer period of contagiousness.
A fever is a common flu symptom, but it's not a guaranteed one.
Some may experience a milder infection without a fever, especially those with weakened immune systems or older adults whose immune response may not be as robust.
Shaking off the flu typically takes one to two weeks, but recovery can vary based on age, health, and the severity of the infection. Those with underlying conditions may find the road to recovery a bit longer.
Influenza A and B are the main actors in seasonal flu outbreaks. Influenza A, which can infect birds and other animals as well as humans, often takes the lead during flu season. Influenza B, found mostly in humans, tends to cause milder illness but can still pack a punch.
The flu season stretches from October to May, peaking between December and February.
If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, it's not too late. The vaccine takes about two weeks to kick in, but it can still offer protection during the height of flu activity and reduce the severity of the illness if you do get sick.
Source: VA | VetResources
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. It's a simple step that can make a significant difference in your winter wellness plan.
Have you found effective ways to remember to take your medication or to keep your immune system strong? Let's come together as a community to support one another through these winter months in the comments below!
