Highlights
- Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses.
- Influenza cases range from mild to severe and commonly cause fever, fatigue, body aches, and respiratory symptoms.
- Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to protect against severe cases of influenza.
- Most people recover from influenza at home, but prescription antiviral medications can help to speed up this process and prevent complications.
- You can find the best prices for influenza medications with BidRx.
Dreading flu season? Fortunately, there are many ways to protect yourself from the flu and to recover more quickly. BidRx can get you the best prices for influenza medications to help you bounce back this flu season.
Here’s what you need to know about the flu.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly referred to as “the flu,” is a contagious viral illness. Influenza viruses attack your respiratory system, infecting your nose, throat, and lungs. The flu can cause mild to severe illness, but most people are able to recover with care at home.
You’re most likely to come down with flu during flu season, which takes place between fall and early spring. Seasonal flu illnesses are caused by influenza A and influenza B viruses.
Many people refer to stomach viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting as “the flu.” However, these are not influenza viruses and are different from the seasonal flu.
Influenza Symptoms
Many influenza symptoms overlap with the common cold and COVID-19. However, colds tend to progress more slowly, while flu symptoms are more likely to appear abruptly. Most people feel worse with the flu than they do with a common cold.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Eye pain or irritation
- Body aches
- Chills and cold sweats
- Fatigue or weakness
- Fever
- Headache
- Persistent cough (typically dry)
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Vomiting or diarrhea (most common in children)
These symptoms typically begin between one and four days after exposure to a flu virus. Healthy people can have symptoms for up to two weeks.
The severity of your symptoms and infection can range from mild to severe. The severity ultimately depends on individual health and risk factors.
Influenza Complications
Most people who get the flu will recover at home without complications, but some people are at a higher risk for severe cases and health consequences.
People most likely to experience serious flu-related complications include:
- People 65 years or older
- People with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
- Pregnant women
- Children under 5 years old
Serious complications can include:
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome
- Asthma flare-ups
- Bronchitis
- Ear infections
- Heart problems
- Pneumonia
Older adults and people with chronic illnesses or lung conditions are more likely to develop pneumonia from the flu. This can result in serious health complications, including death.
Influenza Causes
Influenza spreads relatively easily. Influenza viruses spread through tiny droplets expelled when someone with the virus talks, coughs, or sneezes. You may inhale the droplets or pick them up from touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Most people are contagious before their symptoms appear and for about five to seven days after their symptoms start. People with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a longer period of time.
Influenza viruses adapt and change, which causes new strains of virus to emerge. People who are vaccinated or who have recently been exposed to a specific strain of flu virus are less likely to become infected. However, your antibody levels (immunity) will typically decline over time.
Influenza Risk Factors
Anyone can get the flu. Some people are at a higher risk for being exposed to the flu, coming down with the flu, or developing serious flu-related complications.
Factors that increase your risk for the flu include:
- Age. Children between 6 months and 5 years of age are susceptible to the flu. They’re also commonly in environments like daycares where they are exposed to seasonal flu. Adults 65 years and older are more likely to catch the flu and to develop serious complications.
- Compromised immune system. People with a weakened immune system, such as people undergoing treatment for cancer, are at an increased risk for catching the flu and for developing serious complications.
- Living and working conditions. People who live or work in places with many other residents or patients are more likely to be exposed to the flu. These places may include hospitals, schools, nursing homes, military barracks, or other care facilities.
- Vaccination status. People who haven’t been vaccinated for the seasonal flu are at an increased risk of catching the flu and for developing more severe cases of the flu.
Influenza Diagnosis
Your doctor will likely conduct a physical exam and order a test to confirm your diagnosis. Most providers will test you for influenza, strep throat, and COVID-19 to rule out other illnesses. The flu test is typically performed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, which involves a quick nasal swab.
Act early if you suspect you have the flu. Visiting a medical provider early can help you get a diagnosis and medication to prevent complications.
You should seek emergency care if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Ongoing dizziness
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
Influenza Prevention
The best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get a yearly influenza vaccine. The influenza vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective, but it can reduce your risk of severe illness and serious complications.
Most people six months of age or older can get vaccinated for influenza. You should schedule your flu vaccine early, as it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies after vaccination.
Preventing the Spread of Influenza
Even if you’re vaccinated, you should take steps to protect yourself (and others) from getting or spreading the flu.
These steps include:
- Avoid anyone who is sick. Avoiding crowded places or people you know are symptomatic can help you to reduce your exposure to influenza (and other viral infections).
- Avoid touching your face. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose without first washing your hands.
- Clean surfaces. Keeping your living and working spaces clean and sanitized throughout flu season can prevent you from coming in contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Always cover your own coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Encourage others in your household and living space to do the same. You may wish to wear a facemask around others while you’re contagious.
- Wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water.
Influenza Treatment
Most people recover from influenza with over-the-counter (OTC) and home remedies. However, prescription antiviral medications can help you recover faster and avoid developing serious flu-related complications. People who are at higher risk for complications should consider prompt medical attention and antiviral medications.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four antiviral drugs to treat influenza:
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
- Zanamivir (Relenza)
- Peramivir (Rapivab)
- Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)
You can manage your symptoms and aid your recovery at home by:
- Drinking fluids
- Getting plenty of rest
- Using OTC pain relievers and fever reducers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Using OTC decongestants or cough suppressants, as needed
- Gargling warm salt water to help with sore throat
Stay home to prevent spreading influenza to others. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious symptoms, such as shortness of breath.
Get the Lowest Price for Influenza Medications
You shouldn’t have to put up with influenza for one to two weeks. We’ve got you covered with the lowest prices for influenza medications at BidRx.
We invite pharmacies across the country to compete for your prescription. Simply sign up, create your bid, and wait for pharmacies to compete for your business. You can even choose from local drug stores, online, mail-order, and speciality service providers.
Once you’ve selected your pharmacy, you can pick it up locally or have it delivered. Create your bid today!
