Influenza (Flu)

Gambaran keseluruhan

Influenza, usually called 'the flu,' is a contagious (easily spread) illness caused by influenza viruses that infect your nose, throat, and sometimes your lungs. It is not the same as a common cold — flu tends to come on suddenly and feels much worse. Most people recover fully within one to two weeks, but it can cause serious illness in some people.

Very common. Seasonal flu affects millions of people worldwide every year. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that flu causes up to 5 million cases of severe illness globally each year. In the UK, the NHS sees a significant rise in flu cases every winter.

Anyone can catch the flu. However, young children, adults aged 65 and over, pregnant people, and those with certain long-term health conditions are more likely to become seriously unwell. People with weakened immune systems (the body's defence system) are also at higher risk.

Gejala

Gejala biasa

• Sudden high temperature or fever — feeling hot and shivery
• Aching muscles and joints, especially in the back, arms, and legs
• Headache, often quite severe
• Feeling extremely tired and exhausted (fatigue)
• Dry, chesty cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) — more common in children

Gejala pada kanak-kanak

• High fever that comes on quickly
• Ear pain or pulling at the ears
• Vomiting and diarrhoea more often than in adults
• Fussiness, crying more than usual, or being very difficult to settle
• Unusual tiredness or difficulty waking up
• Febrile convulsions (seizures or fits caused by a high temperature) — rare but possible in young children

Gejala pada orang dewasa yang lebih tua

• Confusion or sudden changes in mental awareness (called delirium) — sometimes this is the main sign
• Worsening of existing health conditions, such as heart or lung problems
• Dizziness or falls
• Less obvious fever — temperature may not rise as high as in younger people
• Weakness and difficulty moving around or caring for themselves

Punca

Punca utama

• Influenza type A virus — responsible for most seasonal flu outbreaks and all major flu pandemics (worldwide outbreaks)
• Influenza type B virus — causes seasonal outbreaks, usually less severe than type A
• Influenza type C virus — generally causes mild illness and is less common
• The viruses spread through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes can also spread infection

Faktor risiko

• Age — young children and adults over 65 are at higher risk of serious illness
• Pregnancy — the immune system and respiratory (breathing) system change during pregnancy, increasing risk
• Weakened immune system — caused by conditions such as HIV or by treatments like chemotherapy
• Chronic (long-term) health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease
• Living or working in crowded settings such as care homes, schools, or hospitals
• Not being vaccinated against flu
• Obesity — a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above increases risk of complications

Bila perlu berjumpa doktor

Jumpa doktor dengan segera jika:

• Your symptoms are getting rapidly worse or you feel very unwell
• You are pregnant and develop flu symptoms
• You are in a high-risk group (older adult, long-term condition, weakened immune system) and develop flu
• A child under two years old has flu symptoms
• You have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion

Buat temujanji rutin jika:

• Your symptoms have not improved after seven to ten days
• You are unsure whether you are in a high-risk group and want advice
• You want to know whether antiviral treatment (medicine that fights viruses) might be right for you
• You have questions about flu vaccination for yourself or your family

Diagnosis

Your doctor or healthcare provider will usually diagnose flu based on your symptoms and a physical examination, especially during flu season when the virus is known to be circulating in your community. In many straightforward cases, no tests are needed.

Ujian yang mungkin dilakukan

• Rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) — a quick swab taken from your nose or throat that gives results within 15 to 30 minutes; useful but not always fully accurate
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test — a more detailed laboratory swab test that is more accurate and can identify which type of influenza virus you have; results may take a few hours to a day
• Chest X-ray — may be arranged if there is concern about complications such as pneumonia (a lung infection)

Apa yang diharapkan semasa temujanji anda

At your appointment, your doctor will ask when your symptoms started, how quickly they came on, and whether you belong to a high-risk group. They will check your temperature, breathing, and general wellbeing. Most people will not need any tests — a clinical assessment is usually enough. If you are unwell enough to be in hospital, more detailed tests may be done.

Rawatan

Most people with flu recover well with rest and home care. Treatment focuses on easing symptoms and supporting your body while it fights the infection. For people at higher risk of complications, healthcare providers may prescribe antiviral medicines — these are medicines that specifically target the flu virus and work best when started early.

Penjagaan diri di rumah

• Rest as much as you can — your body needs energy to fight the infection
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, diluted fruit juice, or clear broth to avoid dehydration (losing too much fluid from your body)
• Keep warm and comfortable
• Use over-the-counter pain and fever relievers as directed on the packaging to help with aches, headache, and high temperature — always check the leaflet and speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure what is suitable for you or your child
• Use saline (salt water) nasal sprays or rinses to help ease a blocked nose
• Honey in warm water or herbal teas may soothe a sore throat in adults (never give honey to a baby under one year old)
• Stay at home and away from others while you are infectious — usually for at least 24 hours after your fever has gone without the help of medicines

Rawatan perubatan

Antiviral medicines — medicines designed to fight the influenza virus directly — may be prescribed by a healthcare provider, particularly for people at high risk of complications or those who are very unwell. These medicines work best when started within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing, so it is important to seek advice early if you are in a high-risk group. Antivirals can shorten the length of illness and reduce the risk of serious complications. Antibiotics are not useful for flu because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria — however, if a bacterial complication such as bacterial pneumonia develops, antibiotics may then be needed. Your doctor will make that decision based on your individual situation.

Bila pembedahan dipertimbangkan?

Surgery is not a treatment for influenza. In rare, very serious cases — for example, if flu leads to severe lung failure — intensive hospital care including mechanical ventilation (a machine that helps you breathe) may be needed, but this is managed by specialists and is not a surgical procedure.

Hidup dengan keadaan ini

Most people with flu need to take things easy for at least a week. You may feel tired and run down even after the worst symptoms have passed — this is completely normal and can last a couple of weeks. Give yourself permission to rest and recover fully before rushing back to your usual activities. Trying to 'push through' too soon can slow your recovery.

Tip gaya hidup

• Stay home from work or school until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicines — this protects others around you
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or blowing your nose
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away — 'catch it, bin it, kill it'
• Avoid close contact with people who are vulnerable, such as elderly relatives or people receiving cancer treatment, while you are unwell
• Gradually return to normal activities as your energy comes back — do not rush

Diet dan senaman

Eating well can be difficult when you have flu because appetite often drops. Try small, gentle meals that are easy to digest — soup, toast, rice, or crackers are good options. Staying hydrated is the most important thing. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen dehydration and affect your recovery. Exercise should be put on hold while you have a fever or feel very unwell. Once you are feeling better and fever-free, you can slowly return to light activity — listen to your body and build up gradually.

Kesihatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosi

Feeling very unwell, being stuck at home, and missing work or social activities can be frustrating and isolating. It is normal to feel low, anxious, or irritable when you have been ill. If you find that worry or low mood is lingering well after your physical recovery, it is worth talking to your doctor or a mental health professional. You deserve support for your emotional wellbeing too. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed or having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out to a crisis support line — there are people ready to listen.

Pencegahan

Yes — flu can be significantly reduced through vaccination and good hygiene habits. While no prevention method is 100% guaranteed, these measures make a real difference in protecting you and the people around you.

Vaksin

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from flu. Because flu viruses change each year, a new vaccine is produced annually and is recommended every year. In the UK, the NHS offers free flu vaccination to people in high-risk groups, including those over 65, pregnant people, young children, and those with certain health conditions. Many countries have similar programmes. The vaccine does not give you flu — it teaches your immune system to recognise and fight the virus. Even if you do catch flu after vaccination, it is often milder. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or local health service about whether and when you should have the vaccine.

Program saringan

There is no routine screening programme for flu in the way there is for some other conditions. However, if you are in a high-risk group, your healthcare provider may proactively contact you each year about vaccination — this is a form of preventive care worth taking up.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak dirawat

• Pneumonia (a serious lung infection) — one of the most common complications, particularly in older adults and those with lung conditions
• Bronchitis (inflammation and infection of the airways in the lungs)
• Sinusitis (infection of the sinuses — the air-filled spaces around the nose)
• Ear infections, especially in children
• Worsening of existing long-term conditions such as asthma, heart failure, or diabetes
• Rare but serious complications including encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or myocarditis (swelling of the heart muscle)
• In pregnancy, increased risk of premature birth or complications for the baby

Pandangan jangka panjang

The outlook for most people with flu is very good — the vast majority recover fully within one to two weeks with rest and home care. Complications are more common in high-risk groups, but even then, most people get better with appropriate treatment. Thanks to vaccines, antiviral medicines, and good healthcare, serious outcomes from flu are much less common than they used to be. Taking care of yourself, getting vaccinated each year, and seeking help early if you are concerned are the best things you can do to stay well.

Cari sokongan

Organisasi antarabangsa

• World Health Organization (WHO) — Influenza Information ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Flu ↗

Organisasi tempatan

• NHS — Flu (Influenza) ↗ · United Kingdom
• healthdirect — Influenza (Flu) ↗ · Australia
• Health Canada — Influenza (Flu) ↗ · Canada

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