Understanding Influenza (Flu): Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment
Influenza — commonly known as "the flu” — is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
Flu cases tend to peak during the colder months, which is why fall and winter are described as "flu season." However, despite the seasonal nature of the flu, it can and does spread year-round. Your best defense is a good offense. Be sure to get your flu shot when autumn arrives.
At RWJBarnabas Health, we provide comprehensive flu care services including immunizations for prevention and treatment for active cases. If you feel feverish, have chills, a stuffy nose, a cough, muscle aches, fatigue or weakness, see your RWJBarnabas Health primary care physician.
What Is Influenza?
The flu is an acute illness caused by one of the three influenza viruses: Type A, Type B or Type C. It is not the same as a cold or COVID-19; these illnesses are caused by different virus strains.
Influenza is transmitted primarily through respiratory droplets that become airborne when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks. This easy transmission can lead to widespread outbreaks, especially in winter when people tend to stay inside in close quarters.
Types of Flu We Treat at RWJBarnabas Health
We treat all types of flu, ranging from the most common cases of seasonal flu to widespread pandemic outbreaks and severe influenza with complications. We are proud to provide cutting-edge flu care to high-risk populations, including children, seniors, and pregnant women, for whom the flu could develop into respiratory failure or secondary bacterial infections.
Aside from common seasonal influenza, we also treat other flu illnesses like bird flu and swine flu. These viral strains (H5N1 and H1N1, respectively) are animal strains that can sometimes jump to humans. They begin with similar flu-like symptoms but can progress quickly and lead to severe complications. We treat these and other complex flu cases with the goal of reducing potential complications and preventing community transmission.
What Causes Influenza?
The root cause of the illness is infection from one of the influenza A, B or C viruses. These viruses infect the nose, throat, and lungs and replicate quickly.
Once a person is sick, the virus may be spread to others through talking, coughing, sneezing, nose-blowing and other actions that disperse respiratory droplets. Other people may also contract the flu by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their faces.
While anyone can get the flu, certain risk factors make severe illness more likely:
- Pregnancy
- Weakened immune systems
- Very young or very old age
- Chronic medical conditions
- Smoking
Seasonal Flu Symptoms
Exact symptoms vary from person to person, but typically include the following:
- Sudden onset of fever and chills
- Cough (dry or productive)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Fatigue or weakness
Though most people can recover from the flu at home, very young children, very old adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses have a higher probability of developing potentially serious flu complications. These individuals may also present differently, as their immune responses may be weaker than expected. High-risk individuals should seek medical care if they suspect they have influenza.
When to Seek Emergency Care
More severe symptoms can be an indication that the illness is worsening. Everyone — high-risk or not — should seek emergency care for any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent chest pain
- Severe dehydration
- Confusion or sudden dizziness
How Do We Diagnose Influenza?
RWJBarnabas Health prioritizes early symptom recognition and intervention to reduce the risk of severe flu virus complications. Your RWJBarnabas Health doctor will conduct a clinical evaluation to assess a patient’s medical history and current symptoms. Based on that examination, they will recommend one (or a combination) or the following diagnostic techniques:
- Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) provide fast results with a nasal or throat swab.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can accurately identify specific strains of influenza virus.
- Chest X-rays and blood tests help us identify or rule out complications like pneumonia.
Treatments for the Flu
Treatment plans for the flu may include:
- Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), baloxavir (Xofluza) or zanamivir (Relenza)
- Supportive care, including rest, hydration and over-the-counter medications to manage pain, fever, cough and other unpleasant symptoms
- Hospitalization and/or oxygen therapy for patients with complications and respiratory distress
In the case of high-risk patients, our team will develop tailored recovery plans. Many of these medications only work early on after exposure to the virus, so it is important to seek medical care as soon as your symptoms start.
Flu Resources at RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health offers resources for prevention, education and illness management.
- Prevention. RWJBarnabas Health offers annual flu shots at our facilities. Contact us to learn about flu shot clinics at a hospital near you.
- Education. We can provide educational workshops so community members can learn about prevention and management of the flu.
- Wellness checks. Your RWJBarnabas Health primary care physician can help you stay on schedule with prevention, explain more about the flu, and diagnose and treat the illness. They can provide post-flu recovery checkups and ongoing wellness support.
Prevent the Spread of Seasonal Flu
One of the best prevention methods is to learn about identifying flu symptoms and avoid going into public when you're showing signs of illness. If you have a runny or stuffy nose, a fever, or a cough, stay home! Reducing the spread of disease helps vulnerable populations stay healthy during flu season, when transmission is highest.
Good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, can go a long way toward preventing transmission within your household and when you must go out in public with active symptoms.
If you have symptoms, early detection through one of our flu screening clinics can help you know when it's time to get some rest and avoid close contact with others during peak flu season. Finally, flu vaccines may help to prevent illness or reduce the severity of the disease.
Protect yourself and your loved ones this season. Schedule your annual flu vaccination or consult with our healthcare experts for personalized flu care today.