Flu

Flu 

Influenza is a viral disease i the upper ones airways, which can occur when you become infected with either influenza virus A, B or C. 

Influenza strikes especially in the winter months, most often from October to March, when around 5-10% become ill with influenza.  

The symptoms of influenza are: 

• Fever 
• Sensation of illness 
• Headache 
• Cough 
• Muscle and joint pain 
• Coldsymptoms 

The fever usually lasts no longer than 2-3 days, but you can be bothered by fatigue and cough for a longer time. It may take a few weeks before you feel completely back on top. In worst case flu can lead to inflammation of the muscles or heart muscle, nerve inflammation, meningitis or encephalitis, but it is rare. Influenza increases the risk of blood clots (heart and brain) and bleeding in the brain. 

The disease is spread by coughing or sneezing between people (droplet infection). The incubation period is 1-3 days, and you can infect others with the flu virus from 24 hours before you get sick, and for the next 5-6 days. 

When you are infected with the influenza virus, you are at increased risk of being affected by bacterial pneumonia, otitis media or sinusitis after the flu. 

You can get the flu several times, especially because the virus changes from year to year. For the same reason a new vaccine is required every year. 

You can be vaccinated against the influenza virus every year. WHO recommends every year how the vaccine should be formulated so that it protects against the seasonal flu that is in circulation. This year, the vaccine contains two types of Influenza-A virus and two types of Influenza-B virus. Vaccination reduces the risk of infection and a serious illness.