Scientists and experts are concerned about a double risk of spreading the Corona virus with influenza, this winter, but one of the main differences between influenza and Covid 19 is that there are vaccines to prevent influenza, and of course there will be no alternative at all to getting the annual flu vaccine, but there are a variety of Antiviral drugs that medical experts can use when someone has the flu or suspects they have the flu, so how do these medicines help relieve flu symptoms .. Read the following lines to find out the answer.
According to the American “Cliffend Clinic” website, influenza antivirals are used to reduce flu symptoms and can shorten the time a person becomes ill.
“All influenza virus antivirals work by reducing the extent to which the influenza virus replicates in your body,” said Susan Rehm, an infectious disease specialist at Cliffend Clinic.
But she warns that the availability of antiviral medications for the flu does not mean that you have to rely on medications to get the flu out of your system. The annual flu shot is still your best defense against the flu.
Why is the flu a big problem?
Flu can be a deadly disease for anyone.
Dr Rehm said: “Older people and those with underlying conditions are at greater risk of complications and death .. 62,000 Americans lost their lives during the 2019-2020 flu season, and more than half a million people were hospitalized.
The majority of influenza deaths involved people aged 65 or over or at high risk.
People most at risk of complications from influenza are:
Elderly people over 65 years of age.
You have a chronic condition, such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, neurological disease, or diabetes.
Decreased immunity.
-pregnant woman.
Suffer from obesity.
Live in a chronic disease care facility, such as a nursing home.
If you are at high risk of developing complications from influenza, it is important that you contact your health care provider at the first signs of illness.
How do you know that you have the flu and not a cold?
It is difficult to tell the difference between cold symptoms and flu symptoms. a word F.A.C.T.S. Fever, aches, chills, fatigue, and a sudden onset – it can help you remember the symptoms most common with the flu.
“The flu can make you feel as if a truck hit you. With muscle aches and headaches, colds come on gradually, and are more likely to cause a stuffy and runny nose.”
How can you distinguish between influenza and Corona?
Symptoms can be influenza and COVID-19 Very similar Your doctor may recommend a test for both viruses, especially if you are at risk of developing complications from influenza antivirals that are ineffective against Corona.
Many antivirals have been used to treat influenza over the years, but doctors currently rely on four main medicines and these antivirals work best when given soon after symptoms begin.
How do flu antivirals help treat influenza?
They work best when taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.
Antiviral medications may reduce the duration of symptoms by about a day and reduce the amount of virus in your system.
If the infection is controlled faster, you may be less likely to develop complications and less likely to spread to other people.
Antivirals are good precautions, but they are not a substitute for the flu vaccine.
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