Influenza (flu)
Influenza (flu) is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs that is common in Afghanistan in the cold months. It comes on suddenly and makes people feel much more unwell than a common cold. Most people recover in about a week, but flu can be dangerous for young children, older people, pregnant women and people with long-term illness.
Symptoms
- Sudden high fever and chills
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Headache
- Dry cough and sore throat
- Extreme tiredness
- Runny or blocked nose
- Vomiting or diarrhoea in some children
Causes
- Influenza viruses
- Breathing in droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Touching the face after touching contaminated hands or surfaces
- Crowded rooms in winter with closed windows
Prevention
- Yearly flu vaccine where available, especially for high-risk people
- Wash hands often with soap
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow
- Stay home when sick