Video language: Hindi
Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It usually starts suddenly with fever, body ache and tiredness, and it tends to feel stronger than an ordinary cold.
Flu or Cold?
Colds come on gradually and mostly affect the nose and throat. Flu comes on fast, with fever, chills, muscle ache and strong tiredness, and sometimes a dry cough. Tests can tell the two apart when needed.
Common Signs
- Fever and chills.
- Body ache and headache.
- Dry cough and a sore throat.
- A blocked or runny nose.
- Tiredness that can last a week or more.
Caring for Yourself
- Rest and stay home to avoid spreading it.
- Drink plenty of fluids and eat light, regular food.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands often.
- Ask your doctor before giving any medicine to a child.
When to See a Doctor Promptly
- Trouble breathing or chest pain.
- A fever that lasts more than three days, or that returns after improving.
- Confusion, severe weakness or fainting.
- Flu in a baby, an older adult, a pregnant woman or someone with a long-term illness such as diabetes or asthma.
Prevention
Good hygiene helps. An annual flu vaccination is recommended for many people, so ask your doctor whether it is right for you.
What Dr. Arpana Highlights
Dr. Arpana explains that colds and flu are both viral infections of the breathing passages, spread by droplets when an infected person sneezes, talks or laughs, so cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze. A cold is milder and stays mostly "from the neck up": a sore throat, a runny nose with watery discharge, a heavy head and blocked sinuses, usually without fever. Adults and children can get a cold several times a year.
Flu is more intense and affects the whole body. Fever is usual, the sore throat moves on to a cough, and there are body aches, nausea and loss of appetite. If flu is not looked after, or if immunity is low, it can reach the lungs and lead to pneumonia or a secondary bacterial infection. For both, her advice is the same: rest, proper sleep and plenty of fluids, because dehydration slows recovery. No outcome is promised, and homeopathy is used alongside your doctor's care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does flu last?
Most people feel better in a week or so, but tiredness can linger.
Is flu contagious?
Yes. It spreads through droplets and touch, so stay home while unwell.
Do antibiotics help?
Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics are not used for flu itself. Your doctor will decide.
Read our guide on cough, cold and allergy or book a consultation.
More on this topic: Cough, Cold and Allergy: signs and the homeopathic approach
This article is for general education. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or emergency care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
