Be careful.. 6 serious illnesses that can be caused by the flu

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03:00

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

The risk of seasonal flu increases with the onset of winter, and many may differ in identifying symptoms.

Flu season typically occurs in the fall, winter and early spring, and this year flu cases are seeing an increase in hospitalizations and severity of illness.

In most cases, people with the flu recover within a week or two, but for some unlucky patients the virus can turn into one of many fatal cases, according to British newspaper The Sun.

1. Neurological issues

In rare but severe cases, the flu virus can cause inflammation of the brain, known as encephalitis, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

According to Dr. Sarah Jarvis, this condition can make you feel “very bad. People who suffer from it often feel disoriented and unconscious.”

2. Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease caused by the body’s destruction of its own tissues in response to an infection. When infection-fighting processes attack the body, the organs fail to function properly and normally.

The condition can be difficult to detect. Dr Sarah said adults who develop the condition are likely to experience “extreme hypothermia, feeling disoriented, slurred speech, shortness of breath and may pass out”.

“Children have fewer symptoms, but they are also more likely to faint,” she added.

3. Asthma attacks

For those with asthma, the flu can increase the likelihood of having an asthma attack.

The flu virus can cause the airways to swell and narrow. This could lead to a fatal attack, according to the Asthma and Lung Charitable Association.

Dr Rachel Ward told Britain’s ‘The Sun’ newspaper that people with asthma and flu are likely to experience shortness of breath, wheezing and worsening cough.

4. Pneumonia

The flu is a common cause of pneumonia, an infection of the lungs.

“Pneumonia can be caused by the flu itself, or you can catch it as a secondary bacterial infection after the flu has weakened your immunity,” Dr. Jarvis said.

She added: “Some of the common symptoms are shortness of breath, high temperature, coughing up blood and feeling tired.”

And to reduce your risk of catching a chest infection when you have the flu, Dr. Rachel suggested taking regular deep breaths to fully inflate your chest.

She explained, “Ten o’clock is ideal. Also, get up regularly and walk around the house to improve lung expansion. And if you smoke, you’re more likely to having a lung infection, so that’s another reason to quit.”

5. Cardiomyopathy and myocarditis

Cardiomyopathy refers to a group of conditions that affect the structure of the heart, while myocarditis is an inflammation of the lining of the heart muscle that can cause an irregular heartbeat.

Viral infections such as influenza are among the main causes of illness.

Joel Rose, chief executive of Cardiomyopathy UK, said: “During the winter flu season, it is important that people recognize the signs and symptoms of heart disease such as cardiomyopathy and myocarditis. With the spread of influenza and colds people need to listen And if they are worried they should see or see their GP again as soon as possible.

According to the British Heart Association, the main symptom of these conditions is shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion.

Fatigue and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen and neck veins are also common symptoms of heart disease.

6. Staphylococcal bacteria a

The NHS says viral infections, such as the flu, put you at increased risk of fatal Strep A infection.

A study in mice revealed that the flu virus weakens the immune system, which means that those who are infected with staph bacteria while infected with the flu virus are more likely to contract the staph bacteria deadly.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), there are four main signs of staph you should watch out for:

Fever (temperature above 38°C)

Intense muscle pain