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8 Causes of Flu and How to Treat It, Beware of Transmission Risk Factors

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8 Causes of Flu and How to Treat It, Beware of Transmission Risk Factors Flu Causes (credit: freepik.com)

Kapanlagi.com - Flu or influenza is a health disorder caused by a viral infection. It attacks the nose, throat, and even the lungs. The cause of flu and its risk factors can be experienced due to various triggers with transmission methods that are rarely realized.

The flu disease is often encountered during weather changes between the rainy season and the dry season. This condition often causes various types of health disorders, one of which is flu. Flu or influenza is caused by a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. This condition can cause various common symptoms such as a stuffy nose, cough, fever, headache, or muscle pain.

These symptoms can be felt gradually from mild to quite severe. In addition, someone who has the flu can easily transmit it to others through saliva fluid, both when coughing or sneezing. It is not surprising that someone who is around a flu patient has a possibility of being at risk of contracting a similar disease.

Although someone may have experienced the flu before, this condition can attack again if they have the opportunity to develop flu symptoms. Where there are various reasons why someone can experience the flu with several triggering factors. The causes of the flu can be seen through several explanations below. Here are the causes of the flu along with how to treat it, as summarized by kapanlagi.com from various sources.

1. Viral Infection

The main cause of flu is an infection by the influenza virus. This virus can attack anyone regardless of age. It attacks the respiratory system, namely the nose, throat, and lungs. Transmission of the virus infection is very easy when there is direct contact with the fluid of a flu patient.

In this case, the fluid can be transmitted through sneezing, coughing, or contaminated objects with the flu virus. Unintentionally, this fluid may have infected your body through the mouth or nose. According to mayoclinic.org, even individuals infected with the flu virus can transmit it one day before symptoms appear and up to five days after the onset of symptoms.

2. Weak Immune System

The next cause of flu is a weak immune system. As it is known, a strong immune system can help fight against various types of viral infections and diseases. However, when the immune system is weak, the body becomes susceptible to various infections. This includes flu-causing viral infections that can easily spread.

There are various causes of having a weak immune system. These include side effects of medications, blood cancer or HIV/AIDS, and long-term use of steroids which can weaken the immune system. Therefore, having a weak immune system can increase the risk of getting the flu.

3. Environmental Factors

The cause of flu can also be due to the influence of environmental factors. Where densely populated environments such as workplaces or residences have a higher risk of flu occurrence. Especially if there are people who are already infected with the flu virus, this can easily be transmitted to others. According to mayoclinic.org, some high-risk places for flu include hospitals, schools, and other public places.

4. Having Chronic Illness

The cause of the flu will be more vulnerable to someone who has a history of chronic illness. Because several types of diseases are known to cause a weak immune system and can even be at risk for influenza complications. Among these chronic diseases include heart disease, diabetes, asthma, respiratory tract disorders, or kidney disease. Consultation and examination can be considered to help overcome flu due to chronic illness experienced.

5. Age Factor

The next cause of the flu can also be at risk for certain age groups. In this case, seasonal influenza tends to be vulnerable to children aged 6 months to 5 years. While in adults, the risk of flu is vulnerable at the age of 65 and above. However, the flu can attack anyone regardless of age. So this condition needs to be anticipated, especially during weather changes from rainy to dry season.

6. Pregnant Women or Giving Birth

The risk factors for causing flu can be experienced by pregnant women or those giving birth. According to mayoclinic.org, pregnant women are known to be prone to complications from influenza, especially in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The same goes for women who have just given birth, as they may experience complications related to influenza in the first two weeks. If this condition occurs, further examination can be immediately conducted to address the flu or influenza being experienced.

7. Weather Factors

Weather factors also influence various types of diseases, including flu. In this case, the cause of flu can be due to weather factors. According to medicinenet.com, during winter, dry season, or rainy season, a person will be susceptible to flu. This condition occurs because the virus will be more likely to thrive. It is not surprising that during these seasons, more cases of flu and coughing will be encountered.

8. Obesity

Excess weight or obesity is also known to be at risk for flu complications. According to mayoclinic.org, people with excess weight may experience an increased risk of flu complications. In addition to exacerbating this disease, several health problems can also be experienced, including respiratory disorders, risk of heart disease, and sleep disorders. Therefore, maintaining an ideal weight can be done to prevent various health problems due to obesity.

9. How to Treat and Prevent the Flu

As for how to treat the flu, you can follow several points below. The treatment for the flu can be done by home care using natural ingredients that are easy to practice. Here are natural ways to treat or prevent the flu:

- Maintain good hygiene and practice hand washing after activities.

- Maintain a healthy diet to improve the body's immune system.

- Avoid smoking to reduce the risk of getting the flu.

- Avoid people who are currently experiencing the flu to prevent transmission.

- Stay at home and rest if you are sick or experiencing flu symptoms.

- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent transmission to others.

- Avoid crowded places to prevent the risk of getting the flu.

- Drink plenty of water to meet the body's fluid needs.

- Apply essential oils to alleviate flu symptoms.

Those are the 8 causes of flu along with ways to treat them and factors to be aware of for transmission risks. Consultation and examination can be considered to help address the flu properly.

(kpl/nlw)

Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
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