Just before Christmas there is officially a flu epidemic in the Netherlands. We also see it in healthcare. More and more people are getting sick. For most people, the flu is a nasty disease that will go away on its own rings. But does this apply to all flu variants? And how dangerous is the flu actually for vulnerable and elderly people? Treant’s infectious disease specialists explain by listing the most important facts and myths.
Influenza is also called the flu – DONE!
‘Influenza, also known as the flu, is an infectious disease. The flu comes from the Italian influenza di freddo, “the influence of the cold”.
The flu is caused by a cold and that’s why you get the flu faster in winter: MYTH!
‘People get the flu from a virus, the flu virus. The virus found in the respiratory tract (mouth, nose, throat, trachea, lungs) causes inflammation of the mucous membrane. Get the flu more often in the winter, because the virus can spread more easily. So it’s not the cold itself that makes you sick.”
There’s only 1 type of virus that gives you the flu: MYTH!
There are many different types of viruses that can cause the flu. There are two types of flu viruses that cause flu in humans. These are Influenza A and B. These types can be divided into other types. These species are given letters and numbers. For example, H1N1 stands for ‘swine flu’.’
Corona is not a flu: DONE!
‘Flu and corona can both cause inflammation of the airways, but they are two different diseases. The flu is caused by a flu virus. Corona is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Both the flu and corona can cause cold symptoms. With the crown you lose your taste and smell more often. It can take a long time before you regain your sense of taste and smell. With the flu, it’s not often that you lose your sense of taste and smell. If that happens, it will only last a very short time.’
You can catch the flu more often: DONE!
“Unfortunately, you can catch the flu more than once. If you’re healthy, you often don’t get the same type of virus again. It is true that viruses can change. So if a virus changes a lot, you can get sick again from the flu virus.’
You can die of flu: DONE!
‘Especially people aged 60 and over and people with various conditions (such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease, or reduced stamina) can become very ill. Sometimes they can even die from it.’
Antibiotics help against the flu: MYTH!
Antibiotics only kill bacteria. Because the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help at all. In most cases, the advice is to rest and drink enough water. Paracetamol helps against pain and fever.’
The flu vaccine is the best protection against the serious consequences of the flu: DONE!
‘The annual flu vaccine protects against the types of viruses contained in the vaccine. Because there are different types of viruses each year, a new flu vaccine is needed each year. People who catch the flu after the injection often have fewer problems with it.’
Stomach flu is also a kind of flu – MYTH!
“Stomach flu” is not the same thing as the flu. Stomach flu is actually a collective name for various infections of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by viruses and bacteria. Stomach flu causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The “ordinary” flu can cause inflammation in the respiratory tract, but also in other parts of the body.
Infectious disease specialists advise you to be careful and keep your distance from others if you have any complaints.
Photo Treant (What is the flu anyway?)
