Signs Your Flu Is Way More Serious Than You Think

Flu is a very common problem and affects almost everyone. Usually, the problem gets resolved in a few days and has no long-term impact on the health of an individual. Flu viruses are very common throughout the monsoon season and at times even the simple flu may turn lethal leading to the onset of several health complications and associated infections.

Patients suffering from severe health problems such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and obesity are at a greater risk of contracting flu. Mentioned below are some signs and symptoms indicating that your flu is more severe than you think:-

Yellow, green or bloody mucus

A dry cough is a common symptom of catching flu, but if the colour of your cough changes to yellow or green it may be a sign of pneumonia. People suffering from flu usually tend to have low immunity; therefore, there is a very high chance of them catching another ailment such as pneumonia.

Wheezing

Cough is one of the most common symptoms of flu, but if you experience tightness of the chest along with wheezing, it could be an asthma attack. In such cases, the airways swell and get inflamed leading to wheezing and trouble while breathing. Also, people who already suffer from asthma are more likely to develop pneumonia after the flu.

Thickened mucus

A bout of flu usually lasts for one or two weeks, but if it lasts for more than that, it may be a sign of other underlying conditions. For instance, if your mild cough suddenly changes into a cough with thickened mucus it may reflect that you might have caught bronchitis as a secondary infection.  The doctor may ask you to undergo some blood tests and an X-ray test of the chest to confirm the condition. NSAIDs may be prescribed to manage the symptoms of bronchitis.

Calf pain

Myositis can be another secondary condition that may follow along with an on-going or subsiding flu. The most common indications of myositis are a pain in the calf muscles and weakness accompanied by other symptoms of flu. The doctor must be immediately consulted of weakness and pain persists for a prolonged period.  

Chest Pain

Flu viruses may lead to myocarditis which is inflammation of the central layer of the heart’s wall. This condition usually begins with minor symptoms such as fatigue and fever. Then it slowly progresses into speedy heart rhythms and pain in the chest. Infants and elderly people are at a greater risk of developing this condition because of the flu. Therefore, if a person experiences chest pain during the flu, the doctor must be consulted instantly.

Confusion and seizures

A person may experience fatigue and headaches as a common symptom of the flu. However, if a person experiences seizures and confusion along with the symptoms it may indicate encephalitis. Encephalitis refers to the inflammation of the tissues in the brain. Children, seniors and people with a weak immune system are at a greater risk of getting affected by the condition. Acute influenza-associated encephalitis (IAE) is generally caused by the influenza virus and can occur during or after the flu subsides. In case symptoms appear, the doctor may ask the patient to undergo an MRI Scan.

Watery or itchy eyes

If you are tearing up non-stop, there is a high chance that you might be suffering from allergies and not simple flu. Often, it may become difficult to differentiate between the two; therefore, you should immediately visit a doctor to understand the root cause of your watery and itchy eyes. Batra Hospital in Delhi is one of the best medical care facilities in the city. You can book an appointment at Batra Hospital to consult the best doctors for the correct and timely diagnosis of your allergy or flu.

Pressure behind the cheeks and the eyes

Stuffy nose brings with it a headache and irritation. However, if a person notices that he/she is experiencing pressure behind their cheeks and eyes, it is possible that they suffer from sinusitis. Sinusitis refers to the inflammation of the sinus spaces present around the nasal passages and it can occur because of the flu. The condition may become chronic if it is not treated in time.

Summing it up

Flu is a very minor health issue that subsides in less than a week. But, it is very important to take proper medication and practice all the precautionary measures to alleviate the associated symptoms. Flu, if not treated in time may bring along other fatal conditions as well.