By Eddy Urena, MD

After spending the holidays with our loved ones we find ourselves getting sick similar to the family we visited and one may think, is this illness the flu? Sometimes it can be difficult to know why we do not feel well as so many viruses are spreading in the community including common respiratory viruses, COVID-19, and RSV. This article will discuss what the flu is, what symptoms it may cause, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.

The flu, also known as influenza, is a virus that infects the nose, throat and at times the lungs. This virus is different from what people commonly call the “stomach flu” that causes symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza most commonly spreads during the months of October thru May here in Minnesota. The virus is spread through droplets from infected people coughing, sneezing and even talking. These droplets land inside the nose and mouths of an uninfected person and result in an infection. Although less common, one can get in contact with flu droplets from touching surfaces that have been exposed and then touching their faces afterwards. This is why it is important to wash our hands and cover our coughs and sneezes!

Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, sore throat, congestion cough, headaches or body aches. Classically these symptoms come on quickly, about two to three days after being in contact with someone ill with the flu. These symptoms are usually at their worst in the first 3-4 days and improve over a week. People infected with the flu are most contagious and thus more likely to spread the virus within the first three to four days of infection.

More severe symptoms of the flu can require medical care either in a clinic, urgent care or emergency department. These symptoms for adults include trouble breathing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion and dehydration. For children, these severe symptoms include fast breathing, gray/blue lips, no tears being made when crying or decreased urination. These more severe symptoms are more common with certain risk factors such as being under 2 years old or over 65 years old, living in a nursing home, having a weakened immune system and being pregnant. Complications from the flu can include pneumonia, ear/sinus infections and severe dehydration. To determine if your symptoms are from the flu, you can also be diagnosed with flu at a healthcare facility with a nasal swab that looks for fragments of the virus or viral proteins.

How do we treat the flu? First, getting the flu shot is our most important tool to prevent severe infections related to the flu. Getting vaccinated is safe and critical to protecting yourself and those around you. If you do get the flu, most people will improve with time and recover back to their usual state of health after the body fights off the infection. When sick, it is best to drink plenty of fluids, allow yourself to rest properly, and use pain relievers (if needed) such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you are sick with the flu and need to be seen in a clinic or hospital, wearing a mask can be a great way to reduce the spread of the virus to others near you. Those with more severe risk factors and symptoms can be prescribed a medication within the first two days of symptoms called Tamiflu. This can shorten illness by a day at most and prevent serious complications for those with more severe risk factors.

Keep your family safe by getting your flu shot, wearing a mask in public if you do not feel well, washing your hands and covering your cough. See your healthcare provider for more information.

Dr. Urena is a family physician at Allina Health United Family Physicians, 233 Grand Ave, St. Paul, MN 55102, 651-241-5200.