Flu

What Is the Flu?

Flu is a viral infection that spreads through the air, especially when someone nearby coughs or sneezes. It can make you feel really sick, and for certain people, it can be serious

Flu vs. Common Cold

Both make you feel awful, but the flu is worse. While a cold is a small bother with a runny nose and sneezing, the flu hits harder with:

• High fever
• Body pains
• Dry cough Extreme tiredness

Flu Symptoms?

• High Fever (sometimes as high as 40°C!)
• Persistent Cough (can last weeks!)
• Body Aches (your back, legs, even your hair hurts!)
• Severe Fatigue
• Headache 

How long will this flu worry you?

• The flu will disturb you for about a week before you start feeling better.
• Even when the fever goes, you might still feel weak for some days.
• Stay home until you have no fever for at least 24 hours (without using medicine to force it down).
• You can spread flu even before you know you have it! It jumps from you to others a day before symptoms start and up to a week after.

How to treat flu the African way?

• Drink plenty of fluids (water, ginger tea, light soup, or porridge).
• Rest
• Take paracetamol for fever and aches.
• Steam inhalation (hot water + menthol) can help clear your nose.
• Avoid close contact with others 

Can the flu be prevented?

Yes! Get the flu vaccine every year to protects yourself. Also:

• Wash your hands often
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Stay away from sick people