The flu: what it is, what the symptoms are, how to avoid it and what to do when it strikes

The flu is a common illness, but one that can have a major impact on your routine. Although it is usually mild, it deserves attention - especially when the symptoms disrupt well-being or affect people with lower immunity. Knowing what causes the flu, how to avoid it and what to do when you feel sick can make all the difference to your health.

In this article, you'll learn more about what the flu is, the main symptoms, how the immune system relates to this infection and the different types of flu that have affected humanity.

Understanding the flu: a viral infection that needs to be taken seriously

The flu, or influenza, is an infection caused by viruses from the Influenza A, B or C family. It spreads easily from person to person, mainly through airborne droplets when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes or talks. In closed or poorly ventilated spaces, the risk of infection is even greater.

Although many people confuse it with a cold, the flu is more intense and usually leaves the body feeling down for a few days. In general, it is self-limiting, i.e. it gets better on its own, but it can cause complications in children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses.

The main symptoms of the flu can come on suddenly and take your body down

The flu begins with symptoms that appear suddenly. One of the most striking signs is a high fever, which can reach 39ºC. Other symptoms include:

• Severe headache

• Muscle and joint pain

• Tiredness and weakness

• Dry, persistent cough

• Nasal congestion

• Sore throat

• Chills

• Watery or burning eyes

These symptoms usually last between 5 and 7 days, but tiredness can persist for up to two weeks. If you have a fever for more than 3 days, shortness of breath or chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention, as there may be complications such as pneumonia.

The causes of the flu involve direct or indirect contact with the influenza virus

The flu is caused by viruses from the influenza family. The most common form of infection is through contact with respiratory droplets from infected people. You can catch the flu by:

• Being close to someone who has the flu

• Touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your hands to your face

• Staying indoors with limited air circulation

The virus survives for hours on surfaces such as door handles, handrails and cell phones. This is why hand hygiene is one of the main forms of prevention.

The immune system plays a key role in protecting against the flu

When the immune system is strong, the body is able to respond quickly to the presence of the virus and eliminate the infection more effectively. A weakened immune system, on the other hand, leaves the person more vulnerable to developing intense symptoms and complications.

Factors that weaken immunity include:

• Chronic stress

• Poor diet

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Inadequate sleep

• Chronic illnesses such as diabetes or HIV

To keep your immunity up to date, the ideal is to have a healthy routine with a balanced diet, regular exercise and a good night's sleep.

How to avoid the flu and stay healthy all year round

The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. The vaccine is updated every year according to the most circulating strains of the virus. According to the Ministry of Health, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization due to complications from the disease by up to 75%. (Source: Fiocruz)

Other important measures include:

• Washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer

• Avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth without sanitizing them

• Covering your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing with a disposable tissue or your forearm

• Avoid enclosed spaces and crowds during outbreaks

• Keep the house well ventilated

Taking care of your immunity is also part of prevention. Foods rich in vitamin C, zinc and antioxidants help strengthen the body's defenses.

What to do when you have the flu to relieve symptoms and recover more quickly

If you have the flu, the ideal thing is to rest, hydrate well and eat lightly. Here are some tips:

• Drink plenty of water: it helps to fluidize mucus and relieve congestion

• Rest: the body needs energy to fight the virus

• Take antipyretics and painkillers as advised by your doctor to control fever and pain

• Use inhalations or hot steam to relieve nasal congestion

• Avoid self-medication with antibiotics, as they don't work against viruses

If symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days, seek medical attention.

Influenza ICD: the code that identifies the disease in the health system

ICD is the acronym for the International Classification of Diseases, used to identify different medical conditions. The common cold is classified as:

• ICD-10 J10: Influenza due to an identified virus

• ICD-10 J11: Flu, virus not identified

These codes are used in medical charts, certificates and records, and help monitor the incidence of the disease.

Spanish flu: the pandemic that marked history at the beginning of the 20th century

The Spanish flu was a pandemic caused by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus that occurred between 1918 and 1920. It is estimated to have infected 500 million people worldwide, with up to 50 million deaths. (Source: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

It got its name because the Spanish press, being free of censorship at the time of the First World War, was the first to report the outbreak widely.

The Spanish flu was a milestone in the history of medicine, demonstrating the importance of epidemiological surveillance and vaccines.

Avian flu: a type of flu that affects birds, but can reach humans

Avian flu is caused by subtypes of the Influenza A virus, such as H5N1, which circulates mainly in birds. In rare cases, it can infect humans, usually through direct contact with sick birds.

Infection in humans is serious and can lead to death. Fortunately, transmission between people is still very limited. Health surveillance in poultry is essential to prevent large-scale outbreaks.

Swine flu: when a virus of animal origin caused a recent pandemic

Swine flu is caused by the Influenza A (H1N1) virus, which originates in pigs. In 2009, this virus mutated and began to infect humans, causing a new pandemic.

Unlike ordinary flu, swine flu had a greater impact on young people and healthy adults. Currently, the H1N1 virus is included in the annual flu vaccine, protecting the population against new infections.

Conclusion: take care of your health, strengthen your immunity and be prepared with knowledge

The flu may seem like a simple illness, but its impacts on the body and on everyday life are real. Understanding the symptoms, knowing how to prevent it and acting correctly when it strikes is essential to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.

In addition, keeping your immune system strong is a natural and effective form of protection. Take care of yourself, eat well, exercise, get quality sleep and get vaccinated every year.

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