Flu in Adults: Flu (influenza) is an acute infection of the nose and throat airways. This infection may spread to the lungs. Flu is the most frequent cause of acute respiratory infection in people of all ages. Symptoms of the flu include fever, severe aches and pains, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and at times vomiting and nausea. Treatment for the flu includes home remedies such as OTC pain relievers, rest, and hydration. Medical treatment for the flu includes antiviral medications.
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Coughs
A cough is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. A chronic or persistent cough may signal certain lung conditions that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Common causes of coughs include infection, allergies, lung disease, medications, and GERD (reflux). Acute coughs are categorized as infectious or non-infectious. Chronic cough (persistent cough) have a variety of causes and should be evaluated by physician. Treatment of cough, acute cough, chronic or persistent cough depends on the cause of the cough. -
Fever in Adults
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment of fever in adults usually involves ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. -
Flu Vaccine
Flu vaccines may be composed of weakened live flu viruses or killed viruses that protect a person from developing influenza once administered. Reactions to the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu nasal-spray vaccines and shots include headache, nasal congestion, low-grade fever, sore throat, and muscle cramps. -
H1N1 Nasal Spray Vaccine
The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine 2009 is an attenuated (live virus) vaccine to prevent the H1N1 influenza (swine flu). There are certain groups of individuals who should not receive this vaccine. -
Mild Headache
Mild headaches and tension headaches are common but usually do not represent a serious illness. They result from irritation or injury to pain-sensing structures of the head. Symptoms of mild headache pain include aching, squeezing, or bandlike pain, on both sides of the head, generally above the level of the eyebrows. Treatment includes a variety of self-care measures and over-the-counter medications. -
Immunization Schedule, Adults
At least 45,000 adults in the United States die of complications of influenza, pneumococcal infections, and hepatitis B each year. Adults need the following vaccines: chickenpox, hepatitis B, MMR, Td/Tdap, flu, shingles, and pneumococcal. -
Immunizations and Antibiotics for Oversea Travel
Most immunizations are not required under International Health Requirements but are recommended. Anyone lacking certain region- or country-specific immunizations may be denied entry into or exit from a country. -
Sore Throat
Sore throats are generally named for the anatomical site affected, such as: the pharynx, tonsils, adenoids, larynx, and epiglottis. Sore throat treatment depends on the cause, infection, viral, or fungal. -
Swine Flu
Prior to 2009, swine flu was a form of influenza that predominately affected swine. The virus was not easily transmitted to humans. However, the swine flu virus has mutated, allowing for person-to-person transmission. Swine flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, and cough. Infected individuals may also experience fatigue, headache, chills, or body aches. Lab testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis of swine flu. Treatment may involve oseltamivir or zanimivir.
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Cold & Flu FAQs Get answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cold and flu. Find out to how to prevent and avoid the contagious viruses that cause cold and influenza symptoms, and learn treatments for associated aches, pain, and fever.
Expert Views and News
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Flu in Adults Topic Guide - Visuals
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Flu in Adults Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
OseltamivirOseltamivir is an antiviral medication that blocks the actions of influenza virus types A and B in your body...learn more »
ZanamivirZanamivir is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body...learn more »
Acetaminophen And PhenyltoloxamineAcetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer...learn more »
RimantadineRimantadine is an antiviral medicine used to treat or prevent influenza A in people who are at least 17 years old. Rimantadine is also used to pre...
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AmantadineAmantadine is an antiviral medicine that blocks the actions of viruses in your body...learn more »
IbuprofenIbuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Ibuprofen works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body...learn more »
Flu in Adults Topic Guide – Related Topics
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Colds
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Flu in Children Health
Children may become infected with influenza by inhaling infected droplets in the air or if they come in contact with secretions from an infected person. Symptom...learn more »