Flu – Symptoms and Treatment

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Flu or Influenza is a common condition occurring throughout the year but chiefly in winter. It is characterized by runny nose, blocked nose, runny or watery eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, slight fever, chest congestion, and aches and pains in the body. It is caused by influenza or parainfluenza virus.  The child feels miserable, is irritable and cranky. There may be associated cough. It spreads by droplet infection. Spreads mainly in daycare centres and schools or in winter when people huddle together in small congested houses. This is generally a self limiting condition and subsides in 4-5 days. However, it may get complicated with superadded bacterial infection. Which may lead to simple things like pharyngitis, tonsillitis or complications like pneumonia or bronchitis.


 According to Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla - A Child Specialist in Karachi,treatment of flu is steam inhalation, antiallergics and nasal drops. Paracetamol for fever. Antibiotics are not needed. However, in case of complications antibiotics are recommended. It is important to differentiate from Corona. In corona sneezing is much less, less watery eyes and fever is high grade. In addition, there is cough and respiratory distress. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

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