Visual stories

Categories

Flu cases are on the rise: How long do you have to be contagious if you have the flu?
27 Jan' 21

Flu cases are on the rise: How long do you have to be contagious if you have the flu?

 

 

During the COVID-19 period, flu and viral illnesses are on the rise. While we wait for a possible third wave of COVID-19, flu illnesses have been increasing at an unprecedented rate in India and around the world.  

The severity and duration of the flu outbreaks currently in the news are also exceedingly unusual. Previously thought to be mild and controllable flu symptoms are now lasting longer and are just as transmissible as COVID-19. Without enough education or testing, the flu can now easily be passed on to others.

 

What is the duration of the flu? Is there any resemblance to COVID-19?  

The influenza virus causes the flu, a respiratory illness. A flu infection can persist up to a week, however a COVID-19 infection is one of the longer-lasting infections (requiring a long time of isolation). Even with the flu, as with COVID-19, some post-viral symptoms might remain, giving the impression of a long bout of flu-like symptoms. 

Even while flu is a totally distinct condition from COVID-19, both are respiratory infections with very different symptoms, and it's crucial to remember that at a time when we're already dealing with colitis. 

 

What causes flu cases to last so long? How long does it take for the virus to spread?  

The present strain of flu viruses has a low exposure risk, which is one of the reasons why symptoms can stay longer. Last year's flu infections were milder, but we were also taking basic hygiene precautions. Not only has our flu virus exposure lessened, but the virus's incubation period, or the time between contracting the virus and presenting symptoms, must also be taken into account. An average incubation time for the flu is two days, although it can last up to four days. 

 

Which is more contagious COVID or flu? 

Because the flu has a larger risk of spreading than COVID (because we are now more cautious about COVID and may dismiss flu symptoms as a regular cold), it can be exceedingly hazardous and easy to spread. Experts also believe that when someone has the flu, they are most contagious in the first 3-4 days, when they are more likely to experience symptoms like coughing and sneezing, which can lead to the discharge of respiratory droplets. Contagion risk can be high a day before you start to feel symptoms, similar to COVID. 

Also read whats the difference between influenza A and influenza B ?

 

Should you wear masks and stay at home ?

Even if you have the flu, staying at home until your symptoms start to fade is always a good idea because there's a chance of respiratory droplets and symptoms spreading (5-7 days after contracting the virus). The lowering of a fever without the use of medications can be seen as a sign that you are healthy enough to be around other people.  

While the flu necessitates plenty of rest and recuperation, masks can be worn to minimize the spread of respiratory droplets to those in your immediate vicinity who may be at risk. Even if it's less serious than COVID-19 and doesn't require the same set of specific protocols (such as quarantine and self-isolation), taking basic precautions will help you recover quickly. 

Comments

Write your first comment.

Leave us reply:

Related Blogs

Sun exposure throughout these periods of the year is beneficial to your health
07 Nov' 21

Sun exposure throughout these periods of the year is beneficial to your health

Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, a vitamin that is critical for our overall health. However, not everyone realizes that ...
Healthy Lifestyle
07 Nov' 21

Healthy Lifestyle

Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable, painful, and difficult to talk about. They are, nevertheless, fairly common: around half of persons...
6 techniques to improve your body image and make you feel better about yourself
07 Nov' 21

6 techniques to improve your body image and make you feel better about yourself

Women, unlike most males, are rarely pleased with their appearance and are constantly seeking a better body image, according to sp...
Is there a link between hair dyes and cancer?
07 Nov' 21

Is there a link between hair dyes and cancer?

Hair dyeing is quite prevalent among women and men over the age of 40, with estimates indicating that 50% or more of women and 10%...
Are you wearing a lipstick that has beyond its expiration date? It's making you feel ill.
07 Nov' 21

Are you wearing a lipstick that has beyond its expiration date? It's making you feel ill.

Let's be honest about it! We rarely check the expiration date on lipsticks before continuing to use them. If you do the same, y...
7 foods and beverages to avoid if you have hazy urine
07 Nov' 21

7 foods and beverages to avoid if you have hazy urine

Urine is an excellent measure of dietary quality. The color, odor, and particulates in urine can all be affected by an increase in...
Is it true that weighted blankets can aid with insomnia?
07 Nov' 21

Is it true that weighted blankets can aid with insomnia?

Insomnia is a type of sleep disturbance that affects about 10% of adults in the United States. It's defined as having trouble fall...
How Long Should You Fast for Autophagy?
07 Nov' 21

How Long Should You Fast for Autophagy?

Autophagy is a natural cellular function that allows our cells to digest superfluous or damaged components within them. Autophagy ...
The warning indications and symptoms of a lung infection and how to treat it
07 Nov' 21

The warning indications and symptoms of a lung infection and how to treat it

Many variables can have an impact on our respiratory health. Given that the air quality in the country has deteriorated significan...
Is your fever caused by dengue fever or a common viral infection? Here's how to figure it out:
07 Nov' 21

Is your fever caused by dengue fever or a common viral infection? Here's how to figure it out:

Dengue fever can be quite devastating to a person's health. The most common symptoms include fever and other symptoms such as wear...
How does online consultation work ?
07 Oct' 21

How does online consultation work ?

The demand for doctors is projected to rise as modern treatment allows people to live longer. However, thanks to technological adv...
Three drinks to speed up your metabolism if you're trying to lose weight
07 Oct' 21

Three drinks to speed up your metabolism if you're trying to lose weight

Losing weight isn't easy. There are numerous factors to keep in mind and pay attention to for healthy and long-term weight loss, f...
Is it possible for lemon water to hurt your kidneys?
07 Oct' 21

Is it possible for lemon water to hurt your kidneys?

Lemon is high in vitamin C, which aids calcium absorption, which is necessary for maintaining bone density. Lemon water is a delig...
Blocking Immune System Pathway May Stop COVID-19 Infection and Prevent Severe Organ Damage- says study
07 Oct' 21

Blocking Immune System Pathway May Stop COVID-19 Infection and Prevent Severe Organ Damage- says study

Stopping COVID-19 infection and preventing severe organ damage could be as simple as blocking an immune system pathway. A cell ...
mRNA technology is being considered by pharmaceutical companies for flu vaccines
07 Oct' 21

mRNA technology is being considered by pharmaceutical companies for flu vaccines

Following Covid-19's validation of mRNA technology, many pharmaceutical companies are racing to use the same recipe to make influe...
World Contraception Day 2021: What you need to know about contraception
07 Sep' 21

World Contraception Day 2021: What you need to know about contraception

The 26th of September is World Contraception Day. The goal is to raise awareness of all available contraceptive techniques so that...
Do you want to live a longer life? Excessive consumption of these nutrients should be avoided.
07 Sep' 21

Do you want to live a longer life? Excessive consumption of these nutrients should be avoided.

Avoid consuming these nutrients in excess Healthy eating entails selecting the appropriate nutrients as well as the appropriate ...
Lung damage is less common in children with COVID-19 infection - according to a study.
07 Sep' 21

Lung damage is less common in children with COVID-19 infection - according to a study.

Out of everything we know about COVID-19, it's apparent that it affects the respiratory system, which can lead to other dangerous ...
What exactly is the Nipah virus, and how does it compare to COVID-19?
07 Sep' 21

What exactly is the Nipah virus, and how does it compare to COVID-19?

Kerala is now fighting two separate viral epidemics. The number of coronavirus cases is on the rise, as is the current Nipah virus...
What does a post-vaccination antibody test tell you about the coronavirus? Is it a good idea to get one done?
07 Sep' 21

What does a post-vaccination antibody test tell you about the coronavirus? Is it a good idea to get one done?

While there has been an increase in COVID vaccinations, a number of studies and the rapid spread of coronavirus variations have ve...
A new treatment for advanced prostate cancer improves survival
07 Sep' 21

A new treatment for advanced prostate cancer improves survival

Radiation therapy is getting more precise, enabled by technologies that make it easier to kill tumors while sparing their surround...
Study finds how persistent lung disease develops long after the virus has been cleared
07 Aug' 21

Study finds how persistent lung disease develops long after the virus has been cleared

A new study has found why short-lived lung infections can cause long-lasting lung damage. The findings of the study were published...
Back to School in 2021 : Keeping Children Safe and Living Well
07 Aug' 21

Back to School in 2021 : Keeping Children Safe and Living Well

No matter where you live if you're a parent you are probably thinking about how COVID-19 will affect back-to-school. How will the ...