Influenza A is the most severe type of flu in adults.  There are other types of flu, like influenza B and C.  Influenza B is the most common in children.  Influenza A can infect animals: bird flu and swine flu, as well as humans.  Influenza A mutates more than influenza B, there are new strains of influenza A every winter. 

Influenza A is a virus that attacks the respiratory system.  It can be very serious and cause widespread outbreaks because it is so contagious.  Influenza A can spread from droplets when someone sneezes or coughs, from touching surfaces that have the virus on them, or by touching another person who is infected from the virus. 

What is “Flu Season”?

Flu season is when flu cases spike during the year.  Usually this is between October and May.  The highest number of flu cases are during December and February.  Every flu season there are 20-40 million human cases in the United States. 

 

 

Flu Symptoms 

Symptoms usually happen within 1 to 4 days after you have been infected.  Symptoms come on suddenly.

Main symptoms of influenza A are coughing, runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, chills, and body aches. 

Symptoms may resolve on their own.  If they last longer for a week and you are not getting any better you will want to reach out to a doctor. 

 

Flu Complications

Left untreated influenza A can cause an ear infection, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, chest pain, asthma attacks, pneumonia, bronchitis, cardiac issues, or sinus infections. 

If you are pregnant and get influenza A it can result in a miscarriage, or neural tube defects of your fetus. 

 

Risk Factors 

  • People who have asthma, COPD, chronic lung disease, diabetes, sickle cell disorder or a weakened immune system are at higher risk of contracting the virus. 
  • Children under the age of 5 are at higher risk. 
  • Adults older than age 65 are also at higher risk. 
  • If you are pregnant you also have a higher risk of getting influenza A. 

 

Flu Diagnosis

Diagnosing the flu is very simple.  Your doctor can test you for it with a nose swab.  The swab will get a sample of your mucus to be tested.  Results usually come back within a few minutes. 

 

Flu Treatment

There sometimes is no need for medication to overcome the flu.  Symptoms may all resolve on their own.  If you can get to the doctor quickly, and symptoms develop in less than 48 hours, your doctor will be able to prescribe an antiviral medication. 

Antiviral medication slows down the infection process.  They stop the virus from being able to spread to all your cells.  Examples of antiviral medications are Relenz, Tamiflu, or Rapivab.  Antiviral medications can cause adverse side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.  If you experience these side effects and your flu symptoms are not improving, you will want to go see your doctor again.  The medication may not be benefiting you.  

It is possible to manage your symptoms at home with over the counter remedies.  It is important when you have the flu that you get lots of rest.  It is also important to drink plenty of liquids.  This will help stop dehydration.  You can use heat or cold packs on your muscles that ache.  Over the counter pain relievers, or fever reducers such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve can help bring your fever down as well as help with headaches and body aches.  Decongestants may help with any sinus symptoms you are experiencing.  Cough suppressants can also give you some peace from all the uncomfortable coughing. 

 

The Flu Is Contagious 

You are contagious with the flu one day before your symptoms present themselves, up to 5 days after your symptoms are present.  You can be contagious for longer in some cases.  Before returning to work or school it is best to be 24 hours completely fever free. 

Influenza A can last anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks.  

 

 

Flu Prevention

The best way to prevent yourself from getting Influenza A is to get the vaccine.  It may not stop you from getting the virus, but it will lessen your symptoms.  The vaccine can be gotten every year, so that it can help with the mutation of the virus and the new strands. 

Make sure you wash your hands.  Avoid crowds because influenza A is so contagious it is easily spreadable.  Cover your mouth when you sneeze, or cough.  Wiping down surfaces in your home with disinfectant wipes will help the virus from surviving on surfaces.  

 

Takeaway

Influenza A is a virus that can cause life threatening complications.  Don’t self diagnose.  If you suspect that you have influenza A and you have an underlying condition, you are pregnant, or your symptoms don’t improve at all after 10 days seek medical care. 

Other reasons to seek medical care immediately would be if your fever gets above 103 degrees, difficulty breathing, no urine output, pain in chest, persistent dizziness, confusion, severe muscle weakness, seizures, or signs of low oxygen, like blue lips, or nails.  

 

 


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