Flu

Flu is an illness caused by the flu virus (influenza virus). You can get sick suddenly and often experience fever, muscle aches, coughing, sneezing or sore throat. Flu is contagious, especially in the winter months. It usually goes away by itself, but some people can become seriously ill with flu, such as people with weak immune systems, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

What can you do with the flu?

With the flu, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, about 1.5 to 2 liters a day. Think about water or tea. This is extra important because when you have a fever, you sweat a lot and therefore lose fluids. Rest is also important, but you don't have to stay in bed constantly. Exercise occasionally, such as walking a few times a day, to keep your muscles flexible and prevent thrombosis. Avoid strenuous exercise, such as sports, until your fever is gone and you feel better.

If you have the flu, try to avoid infecting others. Wash your hands often with soap and water, sneeze or cough into your elbow and use paper tissues. Dispose of the tissues immediately after use.

Flu prevention

One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get the annual flu shot (influenza vaccine). This vaccine helps your body produce antibodies against the flu virus. Especially people with a higher risk of complications are advised to get the flu shot.

With the flu, rest, plenty of drinking and the use of paracetamol is often enough to get better quickly. Virus inhibitors can help in severe cases, but most people heal on their own within a few days.

What medications can you use?

Paracetamol is the most commonly used medicine for the flu. It reduces fever and helps with headaches and muscle aches. It is safe and effective. If you have symptoms, you can take paracetamol 4 times a day. Sometimes paracetamol is combined with other substances, such as caffeine, but this is best avoided before bed.

There are also anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications have an analgesic, fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory effect. However, they can have side effects, such as stomach upset, and are therefore not recommended for everyone.

Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a common medication that relieves pain and reduces fever. For symptoms such as high fever, muscle aches and headaches caused by the flu, paracetamol is one of the safest choices.
Paracetamol in combination with other drugs
Paracetamol is sometimes combined with other substances, such as caffeine. Caffeine can intensify the analgesic effect and has a stimulating effect, so it is better not to take this combination right before bedtime. Paracetamol is also sometimes combined with other painkillers such as propyphenazone or codeine, or with vitamin C, though the latter adds little to its effect.
Inflammatory Analgesics (NSAIDs)
Inflammatory analgesics, also called NSAIDs, relieve pain, lower fever and reduce inflammation. Examples include acetylsalicylic acid, carbasalate calcium, diclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen. These drugs are effective, but may have side effects, such as stomach upset.
Influenza vaccine
The influenza vaccine, better known as the flu shot, contains small amounts of the flu virus. This causes your body to produce antibodies. If you later become infected with the influenza virus, the antibodies can fight off the virus. As a result, you get fewer or no symptoms from the flu.
Antiviral drugs
Antiviral drugs can inhibit the growth of both type A and type B influenza viruses. These drugs relieve the symptoms of influenza and can shorten the duration of illness by about a day and a half. In addition, antiviral drugs can prevent you from getting the flu after contact with someone who is infected. Examples include oseltamivir and zanamivir.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herbal remedy that has long been used to improve resistance to flu. However, the effect of echinacea has not been scientifically proven.

What are virus inhibitors?

In some cases, the doctor may prescribe virus inhibitors, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir. These drugs can shorten the duration of the flu by about one day and reduce the risk of serious complications. Virus inhibitors work best when taken within 48 hours of the onset of initial symptoms. They are mainly prescribed to people who are at increased risk of severe flu symptoms, such as the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

When should you contact your family doctor?

Most people heal on their own from the flu. However, contact your family doctor if you are short of breath, feeling increasingly sick, drowsy or having trouble breathing. Also, if you have weak immune systems due to an illness or medications, such as chemotherapy, it is important to consult the family doctor. With children, it is wise to call the doctor if they are very sick or have a chronic condition.

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