A cold can be a bothersome but relatively harmless thing. The flu, on the other hand, is much more serious and can lead to complications in some cases. This article by Dr. Naval Parikh will go over the causes of the flu, symptoms when you should call a doctor or visit emergency care services for treatment.
What is Flu?
Flu is an acute viral disease. Just like the common cold, it affects the respiratory system but has more severe symptoms and can last for several days. It is also known as Influenza. Flu is a viral respiratory illness that infects the nose, mouth, and throat. The virus can spread from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
Causes of Flu
Many things can cause flu that can last for weeks. Some of the causes of flu are:
- Exposure to sick people.
- Inhaling small droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person.
- Touching objects or surfaces that are contaminated with the virus and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes (For example, using a telephone, elevator button, etc.).
- Having contact with birds and animals (This is commonly seen in petting zoos).
- Being around germs in public places (For example, restaurants).
Symptoms of Flu
For many people, the flu can be a minor illness that lasts a few days. However, in some cases, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and even death. The symptoms of flu may include:
1. Fever
In this case, the fever does not always necessarily go up and down. The fever will usually stay for several days or may even last for weeks. In some cases, you may feel cold all the time even if you are sweating.
It is important to watch your children when they have flu symptoms as they may not have a fever so you do not know how high their temperature is.
2. Headache
Some people with the flu suffer from headaches even if they are otherwise feeling well. The headache will be worse when you are coughing, sneezing, or straining. It is not always that the headache will go away when you stop doing those actions.
3. Runny Nose
This is another symptom that will be accompanied by a headache and a stuffy nose. A runny nose is often associated with allergies and colds but it is one of the most common symptoms of flu as well.
4. Fatigue
Many people with the flu are always tired even when they feel well. This is one of the physical effects that increase when you have flu. Fatigue can be a big problem for people who work, who have many things to do at work, school, or home, and who also have to care for their families as well.
5. Persistent Cough
It is not just a common cold or irritated throat. The flu causes some people to constantly cough or even seem like they are coughing up blood. The cough may last for several weeks.
6. Muscle Aches and Pains
Achy muscles, body aches, and pains are some of the flu symptoms. In children, the muscles that are usually affected include the neck and back muscles.
When You Should See a Doctor?
When you face these symptoms of flu, you should visit Dr. Naval’s clinic for treatment. If you are not feeling well, especially if you have flu symptoms, it is time to get checked. By visiting the Dr. Naval Parikh clinic, you can get a consultation and know if you have the flu or not.
Treatment of Flu By Dr. Naval Parikh
There are many treatment options that Dr. Naval Parikh offers in his clinic. Here is a list of some of the treatments that are available to treat flu.
1. Antiviral Medications
These medications can be used to treat the flu but they should only be done when prescribed by a doctor as they are available by prescription only and some of them have potential side effects. Some of these medications that Dr. Naval offers in his clinic are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir).
This is one of the treatment options that Dr. Naval recommends for some patients with flu symptoms. It is a medication that is used to treat the flu and can be prescribed by the doctor. If a patient has some of the symptoms of flu and the fever is not very high, then Dr. Naval will recommend this medication.
2. Stronger Antibiotics
If the patient does not respond well to the antiviral medication, then Dr. Naval will recommend stronger antibiotics for those patients. These stronger antibiotics can all be purchased over-the-counter by your doctor, but Dr. Naval advises you to call him before you start using these medications in case prescriptions are needed.
3. Cold Baths and Cold Flu Tablets
Dr. Naval recommends cold baths as a treatment option when there is flu going around your office or at work. The cold baths will help you recover faster. They will not cure the flu but they will help you deal with the symptoms better.
4. Oscillococcinum
This is another over-the-counter medication that can be used to treat the flu. It is a homeopathy type of treatment and contains water that has been “potentized” with a duck liver. It is a natural way to treat the flu but Dr. Naval recommends that people who are pregnant or children should not use this medication unless a doctor has recommended it.
5. Vitamins and Minerals
Dr. Naval also recommends vitamin C as a treatment option. Vitamin C helps boost your immune system so it will help you avoid getting the flu in the first place.
Vitamin A is also another option that Dr. Naval recommends getting well faster if you have the flu. It is an antioxidant that boosts your immune system and helps you recover faster from a respiratory illness such as flu or an infection of the throat or lungs caused by bacteria or viruses.
6. Rest and Plenty of Fluids
Dr. Naval also recommends that you rest when you have the flu and drink plenty of fluids. Fluids can be juices such as apples or oranges, water, or diet soft drinks. You should also try to avoid eating fruits or sugary foods that are high in sugar.
Why You Should Choose Dr. Naval Parikh?
Dr. Naval is a doctor with great credentials and has been practicing medicine for over 10 years and has much experience in treating both children and adults with respiratory problems such as the flu. He is one of the best doctors in the Boca Raton/Deerfield Beach area for treating flu and respiratory problems.
He has a team of doctors and nurses who are there to assist you and make your visit to his clinic. If you or your child has flu symptoms, you should immediately call his clinic for an appointment or make an appointment online at his website.
For more information, please contact:
Naval Parikh Clinic:
Address: 1 West Sample Road, Suite 201. Deerfield Beach, Florida. 33064.
Phone: (954) 782-3170
Our Website: https://navalparikh.com/
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