Influenza, the symptom map

They usually arise about 3-6 hours after infection. And the very first to appear are chills, sweating and fever.

It usually comes suddenly and abruptly. Symptoms arise about 3-6 hours after infection. And the very first to appear are chills, sweating and fever.

The symptoms of the flu are caused by the reaction that our body puts in place as a result of the invasion by viruses.

Fever, a defense mechanism

Fever, which is the main symptom, is nothing more than a defense mechanism: it is the tool with which our immune system tries to eliminate viruses, which in fact survive poorly at high temperatures.

During the flu, fever is usually high (38.5-40 ° C) and can last three or four days.

It is useful to take antipyretic drugs that serve to lower it, especially when it is very high or lasts for several days.

It is also essential to drink plenty of water to replenish fluids and salts lost by sweating.

Cough cleans the bronchi

Even coughing, a typical symptom that accompanies the flu, is a means by which the body tries to get rid of those unwanted guests, such as bacteria and viruses, that have entered the respiratory system.

The cough reflex is activated to expel the mucus in which the microorganisms are trapped, so that they do not reach the lungs and other districts.

Often, in the flu, the cough is and dry. Chest pains can become very severe and worsen.

In these cases there are drugs that inhibit the cough reflex.

The cough can be, however, as well as dry, also productive. Here’s how to distinguish them:

Type of cough Features
Hack Expresses an irritative state and often disturbs sleep
Productive cough Characterized by the production of phlegm, even in large quantities

Headaches and other pains

Headache is a symptom present in 80 percent of flu cases and, generally, in a strong form.

Typical of the flu are also other pains in the muscles and joints.

An anti-inflammatory and painkiller medication is useful in these cases to relieve pain.

Physical weakness

At first the feeling of tiredness is intense, after which it becomes a widespread sense of exhaustion that can last up to two or three weeks, so far beyond the flu itself.

It can be beneficial, in these cases, to take vitamin supplements and mineral salts.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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