Flu or influenza is a disease caused by a viral infection that can attack the nose, throat and lungs. The influenza virus spreads through the air in droplets or droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. Influenza is very contagious and can cause serious complications, especially in patients who experience a decrease in body condition.
Classic influenza symptoms include: fever, muscle aches, headache, cough, loss of appetite and sore throat. Influenza symptoms can be more severe in elderly patients. Symptoms will generally last for 2-5 days before finally improving and recovering.
Basically influenza can heal by itself. Treatment steps that can be taken are adequate rest, lots of drinking, nutritious food and treatment of symptoms by consulting a doctor.
Although usually only cause mild symptoms, influenza can also cause serious complications, including: pneumonia , central nervous system disorders and heart problems. Prevention of influenza can be done through influenza vaccination which plays an important role in protecting the body from various viruses that cause influenza. Several groups that need to get this vaccination, especially at high risk of experiencing complications, include:
- Parents aged 65 and over.
- Children aged 6 months–5 years.
- People who have certain health conditions, such as: heart, asthma, lungs, kidneys and HIV/AIDS.
- Pregnant women.
- People who live with someone who is at high risk of developing a severe infection because they have a weakened immune system. Examples include people living with HIV, people undergoing transplants, currently undergoing cancer treatment, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Health workers.
Influenza vaccine can be given early to children, starting at 6 months of age. Not only for children, adults are also recommended to get influenza vaccination once a year. For pregnant women, this vaccine can be given at any time during pregnancy. Influenza vaccines have been found to be effective in protecting up to 90% of healthy individuals aged less than 65 years. For individuals aged around 65 years it is still recommended to get an influenza vaccination, as a preventive measure to avoid influenza attacks.
If you need an Influenza Vaccination and experience influenza symptoms and are at risk of complications, you can consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
Article written by dr. Tri Haryati Paramita, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).