Is Influenza a deadly virus?

The latest outbreak of COVID-19 has created a huge shift in our overall lifestyle, especially in healthcare. But old and familiar illnesses like Influenza remain a major health concern during the upcoming seasonal changes. Many people started to assume that influenza is not as serious as the covid peaks. But the reality is different, and some influenza variants like H3n2 can become life-threatening. 

And today, we will discuss essential details about Influenza and help you learn whether Influenza is a deadly virus or like any other common flu.

About Influenza

Influenza or viral flu is a viral infection of the respiratory system that primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza or viral flu differs from the common cold and flu but has similar symptoms, especially at the beginning. Some signs and symptoms of Influenza that helps to identify it from other flu are –

1. Severe fatigue and weakness.
2. Persistent high fever leads to confusion and seizures.
3. Consistent vomiting leads to dehydration. 
4. Extreme body and headache. 
5. Nausea.
6. Breathing difficulty.
7. Existing health conditions get worse due to the flu.

How dangerous is it?

A lot of people think influenza and the common flu are similar. But the fact is that it is not; many health experts have already declared that common flu and viral flu or influenza are not the same. In fact, influenza is more severe and harmful than seasonal flu. 

So what makes influenza a serious illness or different from the common cold? While common flu causes cough, fever, fatigue etc., these symptoms become more severe and persistent in influenza. 

Not only that, influenza often leads to several health complications, even in healthy people. Severe influenza can cause serious health hazards like –

1. Stroke – Mostly, influenza causes breathing difficulty and congestion; if the condition worsens, it can lead to serious breathing shortage, resulting in a stroke.
2. Heart failure – Myocarditis is a Cardiac issue that inflames the heart muscle or causes a heart attack leading to heart failure caused by influenza.
3. Pneumonia – Influenza can lead to pneumonia or bacterial pneumonia and cause respiratory failure. Patients may need ventilation to survive the emergency. 

Who is at higher risk?

Influenza can affect almost every human being. And every year, at least 10 to 20 per cent of the total population gets affected by the illness. However, some people are at higher risk than others. People with higher risk suffer more and witness the worst. And here are the people who are at higher risk –

1. People with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma.
2. People who have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD.
3. People with heart disease.
4. People with lung disease.
5. Kidney disease.
6. Diabetes.

In addition to the above, people older than 65 years, below five years, and pregnant women are also at higher risk of getting affected by the virus and face critical symptoms of the illness. 

How to protect yourself? 

Influenza is curable, and most people recover with doctor-prescribed medication, rest and following some dietary changes. However, people with higher risk may have to suffer a lot from influenza. So, taking steps to prevent the infection is always a wise choice rather than getting affected and looking for treatment. Here are a few ways you can avoid Influenza –

1. Take a yearly flu vaccine – Although it may not be enough to ensure you will not get the virus, especially H3n2 influenza, it can help boost your immunity to fight it.
2. Maintain hand hygiene – Always wash your hands with soap and water, and do not touch your mouth, nose, and eyes with your hands.
3. Respiratory etiquette – Ensure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or napkin every time you cough or sneeze.

Conclusion

Influenza has many variants, like H1N1, B, and H3n2; some may be less severe than others. But influenza is more serious than the common cold and can become life-threatening if there is any underlying health complication. So, always consult experts if you feel any symptoms and follow their medication plan strictly to recover fast.