Zavod za javno zdravstvo "Dr. Andrija Štampar"

Influenza is a viral infection that affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi and, occasionally, lungs. Infection usually lasts for about a week, and is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache and severe malaise, non-productive cough, sore throat and rhinitis.
The virus is transmitted easily from person to person via droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze. Influenza tends to spread rapidly in seasonal epidemics. Influenza virus can be spread if contaminated hands touching the lining of the mouth, nose and eye.

Most infected people recover within one to two weeks without requiring medical treatment. However, in the very young, the elderly, and those with other serious medical conditions, infection can lead to severe complications of the underlying condition, pneumonia and death.

The most characteristic symptoms of influenza are weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, high fever, sneezing, and maybe a runny nose. Although a person with influenza feels very sick, it rarely leads to more serious complications, except for those at greater risk.

Home treatment:
bed rest
follow doctor’s advice
drink plenty of fluid
eat easily digestible food
avoid alcohol
lower the fever
if necessary, take painkillers
do not ignore your regular treatment if you are a chronic patient
special caution is needed among children, pregnant women and severe chronic patients
follow the instructions published in the media or on the website
When to call the doctor:
After three days of fever over 102 F.
If cough brings up heavy mucus.
If there is increasing difficulty in breathing.
When a patient seemingly gets better, and then gets worse again.
If flu-like symptoms occur 10 days to three weeks after a possible tick bite because of the possibility of Lyme's disease.
If your resistance is down, you should avoid markets, shopping centers, theaters, or crowded places during an epidemic. Keep your distance from people who are sneezing or coughing. Prolonged exposure to wet and cold weather lowers your resistance and increases your risk of infection. Avoid becoming overly tired or rundown. Smoking and alcohol can impair your resistance too.

Is there a flu vaccine?

There is a flu vaccine which is prepared every year according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and its assessment that will be the type of virus circulating in the forthcoming season. It is intended primarily for chronic patients regardless of age (heart, lung, liver, kidney patients and diabetics), people older than 65 years and those who care for severe chronic patients. All others who wish to avoid the disease can be vaccinated.
The result of created immunity after vaccination depends on the person so immunocompromised persons, regardless of cause (illness, medications), may create less protection. Also the level of protection generated after vaccination falls by the age of life.

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