Influenza state

The flu-like condition, though surprisingly, is associated not only with the flu. Its cause may be other diseases that make themselves known as a flu - like way. What is the flu-like condition, what are its symptoms, causes and possible consequences?

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Causes of influenza

Many types of infections, inflammatory diseases, as well as other medical conditions can cause symptoms of influenza or close to it conditions. Common infections cause flu, pneumonia, appendicitis and urinary tract infections. There are many possible causes of influenza-like symptoms, so be sure to tell in detail about your condition to the treating doctor.

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Infectious causes of influenza

Flu-like symptoms associated with various types of infections:

• Appendicitis
• Bronchitis
• Colds (viral respiratory infections)
• Flu
• Meningitis (infection or inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord)
• Pneumonia
• Septic arthritis (infectious arthritis)
• Venereal 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 influenza-like symptoms

Influenza 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 inflammation of the joints)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (a disease in which the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues)

Symptoms of influenza

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

• Pain in the whole body
• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Elevated body temperature
• Headache
• Nasal congestion
• A sore throat

You can experience all or some of these symptoms, and the flu-like condition can continue even without high fever. Fever (fever) is the body's response to infection. It is worth knowing that most of the pathogens that cause illness best develop at a normal body temperature of about 36.6 degrees Celsius. The rise in temperature is a natural way of the body to eliminate infectious pathogens or prevent their spread.

Influenza is not just the flu

Flu-like symptoms can be associated not only with the flu, but also with other infections, the effects of immunization, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer and other diseases, including serious or life-threatening infections.

If your flu symptoms or fever last for more than 48 hours or cause you anxiety, seek immediate medical attention. Elevated temperatures in newborns and young children can quickly pose a threat to the body, so you should seek medical help if your child suffers from it.

Seek immediate medical attention if you suffer from flu symptoms that are combined with difficulty breathing, stiff neck, confusion.

What other symptoms can occur in the flu-like condition?

Flu-like symptoms can also occur in combination with other symptoms depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms of influenza usually indicate an infection or inflammation in the body that can cause additional symptoms such as:

• Cold, clammy skin
• Diarrhea
• Ear pain
• Red face
• Increased fatigue
• Hot, dry skin of 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, influenza-like symptoms can also occur in combination with those symptoms that may indicate serious or life-threatening conditions. Seek immediate medical attention if you or someone in your family suffers from influenza symptoms in combination with these symptoms:

• Bleeding, vomiting with blood, bloody urine, bloody stool, rectal bleeding
• Changes in consciousness or reactions, or lack of response
• Changes in behavior or sudden changes in emotions, such as confusion, delirium, apathy, hallucinations

• Chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure, palpitations
• High temperature (above 39 degrees Celsius)
• Dehydration
• Pale or bluish-colored tissue (cyanosis)
• Strong cough with yellow-green or bloody mucus
• Problems with breathing, such as shortness of breath, shortness of breath, wheezing, stopping breathing or suffocation
• Severe headaches
• Rigidity of the occipital muscles, in combination with a rash, nausea and vomiting
• Tumor or swelling, including enlargement of lymph nodes

What are the possible complications of the flu-like condition?

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

It is very important to consult a doctor right away, as soon as you feel flu symptoms. Once the main cause is diagnosed, the doctor will make a treatment plan specifically for you and help reduce any potential complications, including:

• absenteeism
• dehydration due to accompanying this condition with diarrhea or vomiting
• reduced fluid intake
• increased fever and increased sweating
• disability
• inability to perform daily tasks
• complications in pregnancy, such as miscarriage, birth defects and serious infections of newborns

As you have seen, the flu-like condition is a serious problem that must be solved with the help of a doctor in charge and in no case should self-medicate.