INFLUENZA – THE FLU
Complications are common. The virus may cause pneumonia or an encephalitis or inflammation of the brain and there may be secondary infection by bacteria causing both bronchitis and pneumonia.
If complications do not develop, the symptoms subside after four or more days but the person feels weak and listless for a week or two or even longer.
There is no mistaking an attack of influenza for a mild respiratory infection we all call the flu.
With influenza, the person is so sick he is confined to bed and unable to visit the doctor, who must come to him.
The treatment, as in any viral infection, is symptomatic. There are no antibiotics to kill the virus. However, in influenza, secondary bacterial infection is so common that most doctors will prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat these secondary infections. Bedrest, fluids, aspirin or paracetamol to ease the aches and reduce the fever and a cough suppressant are all used.
*458/71/1*
