Influenza condition

The flu condition, surprisingly, is not only associated with the flu. It can also be caused by other diseases that announce themselves in a way similar to the flu. What is the flu condition, what are its symptoms, causes and possible consequences?

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Causes of flu-like conditions

Many types of infections, inflammatory diseases, and other medical conditions can cause flu-like symptoms or flu-like conditions. Common infections include influenza, pneumonia, appendicitis, and urinary tract infections. There are many possible causes of flu-like symptoms, so be sure to discuss your condition with your doctor.

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Infectious causes of influenza

Flu-like symptoms associated with different types of infections:

• Appendicitis
• Bronchitis
• Cold (viral respiratory infection)
• Flu
• Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord)
• Pneumonia
• Septic arthritis (infectious arthritis)
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes and HIV/AIDS
• Tuberculosis (when a serious infection affects the lungs and other organs)
• Urinary tract infections

Other causes of flu-like symptoms

The flu-like condition can be caused by inflammation of organs and tissues and other abnormal processes, including:

• Cancer, leukemia or lymphoma
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (a disease in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues)

Symptoms of flu

Flu symptoms are a group of symptoms associated with infection and inflammation in the body. There are various flu-like symptoms that include:

• Pain throughout the body
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Elevated body temperature
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat

You may experience some or all of these symptoms, and the flu-like condition may persist even without a fever. Fever (an increase in body temperature) is the body's response to infection. It is worth knowing that most pathogens that cause disease thrive best at a normal body temperature of about 98.5 degrees Fahrenheit (36.6 degrees Celsius). Fever is the body's natural way of eliminating infectious pathogens or preventing their spread.

The flu condition is not just the flu

Flu-like symptoms may be associated not only with influenza, but also with other infections, consequences of immunizations, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, and other diseases, including serious or life-threatening infections.

If your flu-like symptoms or fever last more than 48 hours or are bothersome, seek immediate medical attention. Fever in infants and young children can quickly become dangerous, so you should seek medical attention if your child is suffering from one.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience flu-like symptoms that include difficulty breathing, stiff neck, or confusion.

What other symptoms may occur with the flu?

Flu-like symptoms may also occur in combination with other symptoms, depending on the underlying illness, disorder, or condition. Flu-like symptoms usually indicate an infection or inflammation in the body, which can cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Cold, clammy skin
• Diarrhea
• Ear pain
• Red face
• Increased fatigue
• Hot, dry skin of the face and hands
• Joint pain
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Increased sweating

Serious symptoms that may indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, flu-like symptoms may also occur in combination with symptoms that may indicate serious or life-threatening conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know has flu-like symptoms in combination with these symptoms:

• Bleeding, vomiting blood, bloody urine, bloody stool, bleeding from the rectum
• Changes in consciousness or reactions, or lack of reaction
• Changes in behavior or sudden changes in emotions, such as confusion, delirium, apathy, hallucinations

• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, rapid heartbeat
• High temperature (above 39 degrees Celsius)
• Dehydration
• Pale or bluish colored tissues (cyanosis)
• Severe cough with yellow-green or bloody mucus
• Breathing problems such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing, stopping breathing, or choking
• Severe headaches
• Neck stiffness, combined with rash, nausea and vomiting
• Swelling or swelling, including enlarged lymph nodes

What are the possible complications of influenza?

Complications associated with the flu can be progressive and vary depending on the cause. In some cases, flu-like symptoms may be caused by serious conditions, such as meningitis, which can quickly lead to life-threatening complications.

It is important to see a doctor as soon as you experience flu-like symptoms. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, your doctor will create a treatment plan specifically for you and help reduce any potential complications, including:

• absence from work or school
• dehydration due to accompanying diarrhea or vomiting
• decrease in fluid intake
• elevated temperature and increased sweating
• disability
• inability to perform daily tasks
• pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, birth defects and serious newborn infections

As you have seen, the flu is a serious problem that needs to be addressed with the help of your doctor and you should never self-medicate.