Diagnosis and treatment can go a long way.
Because the seasonal flu shares so many of the same symptoms as other respiratory illnesses, it is very hard to distinguish it from a field of other diseases. This is even more true as we approach a flu season whose severity health experts aren’t just bracing for but are already declaring as one of the worst in recent years. Occurring side by side with Covid-19, the common cold, pneumonia, and RSV, the flu can be difficult to diagnose, as all these diseases have symptoms that overlap. If you experience fever, cough, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, pains, or fatigue, chances are you may have the flu, but without seeing a doctor or getting tested, you can’t know for sure if that’s what it is or something else.
Influenza has become such a common part of the winter season. We normally don’t raise alarm bells anymore when we fall victim to this virus. In most cases, coming down with the flu is an uncomplicated affair. You can resolve it with a healthy amount of rest, plenty of fluids, and appropriate medication to ease symptoms. As with most viral illnesses, the flu will run its course within one to two weeks. Then, the patient fully recovers. But this is not always the case. If a bout of flu becomes bad enough to require medical attention, antiviral medications are available to combat the worst of the disease. These medications are most effective when taken within two days of experiencing symptoms. They help prevent serious complications while shortening your sick time by 1 to 2 days.
