Influenza, otherwise commonly referred to as the flu, is a viral infection that causes respiratory illness. It is also incredibly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets in the air that normally come from an infected person sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose, or possibly even leaving the virus on an object such as a doorknob or via a handshake. If you are exposed to these influenza-virus droplets and then touch your common mucous membranes like the eyes, nose or mouth, your chances of getting sick are highly increased. It is important to note that influenza, or the flu, is different from having just a cold and a runny nose.
Most of the time, the influenza virus is treatable with over-the-counter (OTC) medication and a little TLC over a span of one to two weeks. Still, there are some cases that can actually lead to severe complications like sinus infections, asthma attacks, viral pneumonia and rarely, heart failure, which can lead to death. One of the best ways to keep this virus at bay is to get the flu vaccine, which is recommended for children and adults alike. And it is also highly recommended to be aware of these 17 common signs and symptoms of influenza, which are as follows:
1. Runny Nose
One of the more common symptoms of influenza is having a runny nose, also known as rhinorrhoea. This is when there is an increase of mucus production within the nasal cavity that needs to be removed, normally by blowing out of the nose. At the same time, all the excess mucus can also cause a blockage within the air passages, making it harder to breathe. Although a runny nose can be caused by outside irritants, pathogens and cold weather, when it’s due to influenza, it is actually the body’s way of defending itself by blocking the nasal passages, preventing the virus from entering the lungs and respiratory tract where it can actually do even more harm.
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