Australian flu: symptoms and duration of seasonal influenza virus
The flu season has begun and, according to the latest bulletin numbers, cases are increasing considerably: the so-called Australian flu could cause a more aggressive epidemic than in recent years, during which restrictions and masks have allowed flu viruses to circulate less
Spread of the Australian flu
The current flu in circulation has been named ‘Australian’ because it already spread in August in the winter on the oceanic continent: now it has arrived in our country, immediately raising the numbers of incidence in the population.
How do you catch seasonal influenza?
Like all influenza viruses, the Australian flu is transmitted by air and by contact: i.e. through droplets (droplets) released by coughing and sneezing or through direct or indirect contact with areas contaminated by secretions released through the respiratory tract.
Symptoms of Australian influenza
Symptoms of the Australian flu are those typical of seasonal flu such as:
- high fever,
- cough,
- widespread muscle aches,
- sore throat,
- headaches,
- lack of appetite,
- chills.
In some cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also occur, particularly in children.
How to distinguish influenza from Covid-19?
The symptoms of Covid-19 and those of influenza are very similar, in particular Cerberus and Gryphon, the most recent subvariants of Omicron 5, can be easily confused with a cold.
Therefore, the first rule to distinguish influenza from Covid-19 is to take a swab.
One should not, in fact, underestimate the Coronavirus because, in parallel with the influenza infections, those of Covid could also start to rise again: according to the latest data from the GIMBE Foundation, hospitalisations and intensive care are increasing, while the line of infections is stable and could be underestimated by the non-reporting of positivity following DIY swabs.
How long does the Australian flu last?
The average duration of the flu is about five days: most people recover within a week to ten days.
Fragile age groups (people with chronic conditions, infants and the elderly) are at greater risk of more serious complications, such as pneumonia and worsening underlying health conditions.
The incubation period is about two days and one is contagious up to 5 days after the onset of symptoms.
How to treat seasonal influenza?
For people in good health, the treatment of flu is based on rest and hydration: it is advisable to abstain from work or school for a week and drink plenty of water, as well as resorting to paracetamol or ibuprofen in case of high fever and widespread pain.
Remember that with flu viruses it is useless to resort to antibiotics.
The use of antiviral drugs against influenza is recommended only in selected cases, in view of the uncertainty of outcomes and frequent side effects.
Individuals who are frail, over 65 or in risky health conditions should contact their family doctor as soon as possible so that the most appropriate drug therapy for their condition can be undertaken.
Australian and flu vaccine
The Ministry of Health advises observing basic hygiene rules for flu prevention, i.e. washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when sneezing, isolating oneself and avoiding contact with other people if one feels the first flu symptoms.
The flu vaccine is also strongly recommended in the entire population between 6 months and 6 years of age and in the adult population over 65 years of age, pregnant women and all persons at high risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalisations (e.g. people with chronic diseases and caregivers).
Read Also
Emergency Live Even More…Live: Download The New Free App Of Your Newspaper For IOS And Android
Seasonal Illnesses: What To Eat When You Have Flu?
Plaques In The Throat: How To Recognise Them
Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
Sore Throat: How To Diagnose Strep Throat?
Sore Throat: When Is It Caused By Streptococcus?
Pharyngotonsillitis: Symptoms And Diagnosis
Sanofi Pasteur Study Shows Efficacy Of Co-Administration Of Covid And Influenza Vaccines
Paediatricians: ‘Flu Vaccine For Children Now, The Virus Is Coming’
Paediatricians USA: Which Flu Vaccine Should Children Get?
Flu Vaccine For Children? Paediatricians: ‘Do It Now, Epidemic Already Started’
The Post Covid Era: Flu, How Long Do Symptoms Last?