Flu risk warning signs and prevention tips

Influenza, commonly known as the flu is a viral infection that usually causes symptoms such as fever, cough body aches and tiredness. Most people recover without serious problems but in some cases flu can lead to severe complications and can even become life-threatening.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu-related deaths in the United States can vary greatly from year to year.

During the 2018–2019 flu season around 34,200 deaths were estimated to be linked to influenza.

How can the flu become l ife threatening?

Flu is not always the direct cause of death. Instead it can trigger serious complications that put the body under severe stress.The infection can cause serious inflammation in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Flu can also lead to pneumonia in which the air sacs in the lungs become filled with fluid.

This can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the blood and in severe cases, can become fatal.

Flu may also make existing health problems, such as asthma or heart disease worse. People with weakened immune systems may have more difficulty fighting the infection.

Older adults young children and pregnant women are among those who may face a higher risk of serious flu complications.

Other serious complications

In some cases flu can cause an excessive inflammatory response in the body.  Severe inflammation may affect important organs and tissues including the heart, brain and muscles. In extreme situations organ failure can occur.

A person may also develop a secondary bacterial infection after having the flu. Such an infection can sometimes lead to sepsis a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction to infection.

How Common are flu elated deaths?

It is difficult to determine the exact number of people who die from flu every year because deaths may be recorded under the complications caused by influenza rather than flu itself.

CDC estimates for the 2019–2020 season suggested that around 39 million to 56 million people in the US became sick with flu.

An estimated 410,000 to 740,000 people were hospitalized, while approximately 24,000 to 62,000 died.

Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that seasonal influenza causes around 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths each year.

Warning signs in adults

People with severe flu should seek medical help if they experience:

•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

•Chest or abdominal pain or pressure

•Severe dizziness or confusion

•Seizures

•Fever or cough that becomes worse

•Worsening of an existing chronic illness

•Very little or no urination

•Severe muscle pain or weakness

•Problems with balance or movement

•Warning Signs in Children

Emergency symptoms in children can include:

•Very high fever, especially above 104°F (40°C)

•Blue lips or face

•Poor response or difficulty staying alert

•Fever in babies younger than 12 weeks

•Signs of dehydration such as no tears while crying

No urine for around eight hours

If any serious symptoms appear medical attention should be sought immediately.

How to protect yourself from flu

Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of serious influenza illness.

The WHO particularly recommends annual flu vaccination for people at higher risk including young children pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older people with chronic health conditions and healthcare workers.

Even healthy people can benefit from vaccination because it may also reduce the chance of spreading the virus to people who are more vulnerable.

Other simple precautions can also help.

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Throw used tissues away properly and wash your hands afterward.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you have flu symptoms stay home and rest to support recovery and reduce the spread of the virus.

When to see a doctor

Most people recover from the flu within several days to about two weeks.  However symptoms that become severe or continue to get worse should not be ignored.

Knowing the warning signs and taking preventive steps can help reduce the risk of serious complications and protect both yourself and those around you.