Flu, short for influenza, is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the influenza virus. It primarily affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.
The influenza virus is mainly spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be contracted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face, particularly the mouth or nose. Due to its high contagiousness, the flu often spreads rapidly in crowded places such as schools, offices, or public transportation.
While most people recover from the flu within a week or two, it can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. These complications can include pneumonia, inflammation of the heart or brain, and worsening of existing chronic medical conditions.
Prevention of the flu is crucial and can be achieved through annual vaccination, good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Antiviral medications may be prescribed by healthcare professionals to reduce the symptoms and duration of the illness, particularly when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
