According to the Mayo Clinic, influenza can travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can also be infected indirectly by picking up the germs from an object — such as a telephone or computer keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Signs and Symptoms
The flu is an acute disease, meaning the symptoms come on very quickly and attacks the body all at once. It can feel like the common cold, however patients usually feel worse with the flu rather than having a cold. Some symptoms to look for are:
Fever over 100.4 F (38 C)
Aching muscles, especially in your back, arms and legs
Chills and sweats
Headache
Dry, persistent cough
Fatigue and weakness
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
(Mayo Clinic)
How to Treat the Disease
Most people who get the flu can treat themselves at home and often don't need to see a doctor. If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, see your doctor right away. Taking antiviral drugs within the first 48 hours after you first notice symptoms may reduce the length of your illness and help prevent more-serious problems. (Mayo Clinic)
Header Picture: Influenza Virus by Wikimedia Commons is in the public domain Symptoms of Influenza by Wikimedia Commons is in the public domain “Influenza (Flu).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 5 Oct. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719.