Symptoms of Influenza

Influenza is a viral infection of the lungs and airways that are also known as “the flu” This is a respiratory infection caused due to influenza viruses that mostly spread by air or by direct contact. Some of the common ways by which this virus is spread rapidly is from person to person, through the air by coughing and sneezing. It is also spread by direct contact with infected people.

The virus attacks the cells in the upper respiratory tract, causing typical flu symptoms. Some of the symptoms of Influenza are fatigue, fever and chills, a hacking cough, and body aches. Influenza victims are also susceptible to potentially life-threatening secondary infections. The most characteristic symptoms of influenza are weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, fever (101 to 102 degrees), sneezing, and maybe a runny nose. Although a person with influenza feels very sick, it rarely leads to more serious complications, except for those at greater risk.

Symptoms of influenza must not be confused with the common cold. Even though both, influenza and common cold have symptoms that affect the throat and nose, symptoms of influenza are much more severe than common cold symptoms. Also at times some of the symptoms of influenza affect the whole body, such as headache, tiredness, body aches, fever, and chills. Stomach cramps and diarrhea are not typical symptoms of influenza.

Symptoms of influenza usually start 1 to 3 days after coming into contact with an individual who is ill with influenza. Most persons feel better after several days but cough and tiredness may last two weeks or more. Most symptoms of influenza subside after 2 or 3 days. However, fever sometimes lasts up to 5 days, cough may persist for 10 days or longer, and airway irritation may take 6 to 8 weeks to completely resolve. Weakness and fatigue may persist for several days or occasionally for weeks. With children and teenagers, it is advisable to be alert for symptoms of Reye's syndrome, a rare, but serious complication. Symptoms of Reye's syndrome are nausea and vomiting, and more seriously, neurological problems such as confusion or delirium. The syndrome has been associated with the use of aspirin to relieve flu symptoms.

While considering the medication for influenza one must look for the medications that open the respiratory system, soothe stomachs, coughs, and hoarseness.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a Biblical oil, noted for its antiseptic properties. It has been known and appreciated for its effects on opening the respiratory system. Easy to use, this medication needs to be applied topically around outside of ear, temples, forehead, back of the neck, or on location.

Ledum (Ledum groenlandicum) has been used for years in folk medicine. As a tea, ledum soothed stomachs, coughs, and hoarseness. It was also believed to calm occasional nervousness.

This medication is used for dietary or topical use. As a dietary supplement, the medicine needs to be diluted, one drop in 4 oz. of soy or rice milk or honey. This can also be diffused or applied on location as needed. If used topically, needs to be diluted, one-drop essential oil in one-teaspoon vegetable oil.