Influenza (flu)
Influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs that is common in Afghanistan in the cold months. It comes on suddenly and makes people feel much more unwell than a common cold. Most people recover in about a week, but flu can be dangerous for young children, older people, pregnant women and people with long-term illness.
Symptoms
- Sudden high fever and chills
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Headache
- Dry cough and sore throat
- Extreme tiredness
- Runny or blocked nose
- Vomiting or diarrhoea in some children
Causes
- Influenza viruses
- Breathing in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Touching the face after touching contaminated hands or surfaces
- Crowded rooms in winter with closed windows
Prevention
- Yearly flu vaccine where available, especially for high-risk people
- Wash hands often with soap
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Stay home when sick
- Let fresh air into rooms
Treatment
- Rest and drink plenty of warm fluids
- Paracetamol for fever and aches
- Stay home until the fever has gone
- Antiviral medicine may be prescribed early for high-risk people
- Antibiotics do not work against flu
- Do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
How is flu different from a cold?
A cold starts slowly with a runny nose and mild symptoms. Flu starts suddenly with high fever, body aches and strong tiredness, and it can lead to pneumonia.
Should I take antibiotics for flu?
No. Flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not help and can cause side effects and resistance. See a doctor if you get worse.