What is a cough? What is the Flu?

A cough is the response a body has to irritation in the lungs, throat, or breathing passages. Coughs are both voluntary and involuntary, each resulting in the rapid expulsion of air in an attempt to clear the airways or remove the irritant. Influenza (“flu” for short) is a viral infection that is transmitted through airborne methods from person to person and usually lasts between 3-7 days.

​

What are the symptoms of the flu?

The symptoms of influenza appear as achy joints, coughing and sneezing, runny nose, reduced energy, nausea and dizziness. Depending on the viral load that your body is fighting off, the intensity of these symptoms will vary from person to person. Furthermore, the flu can have varying impacts on an individual each time it is contracted.

​

How do you treat the flu?

Most often doctors tell people suffering from the flu to simply take it easy, get more rest than usual and drink plenty of fluids. However, some cases of the flu can be extremely severe and require more action. This includes more intense remedies and even hospitalization because severe cases can be deadly, killing thousands a year in the U.S. alone. If your flu symptoms seem especially severe, it is advisable to consult with your primary caregiver or medical professional.

​

Sign up for free to schedule a virtual telemedicine doctor visit with a Board Certified Physician.