Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. This virus usually causes mild illness, but sometimes there can be serious complications.
Most people who get the flu will recover in a period ranging from a few days to less than two weeks , but some may develop complications (pneumonia is an example) as a result of influenza, some of which can be life-threatening and cause death.
Sinus and ear infections are examples of the moderate complications of influenza, while pneumonia is a serious complication.
Other possible serious complications triggered by influenza can be inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart (myocarditis), brain tissue (encephalitis) or muscle tissue (myositis), and multiple organ failure (renal and respiratory failure).
Influenza virus infection of the respiratory tract can trigger an inflammatory response in the body and can lead to sepsis, a generalized infection.
Influenza can also make other chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma can have attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic heart disease can have a worsening of their condition triggered by the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ..
Although each person can present a group of particular flu symptoms, the most common are:
- Fever or feeling of fever and chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue (tiredness)
As explained by the Library National Medicine, the flu is caused by an influenza virus. “Most people get the flu when they breathe in droplets from the cough or sneeze of someone who has the flu.” It can also be contracted by touching something that contains the virus and then touching the person’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
Colds are often mistaken for the flu. However, a person can catch a cold several times a year, but only get the flu once in several years.
People at high risk of getting the flu
Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people) and serious health problems flu can strike at any age. However, the CDC indicates that some are at high risk for serious flu-related complications if they become infected with the virus.
This includes people aged 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), pregnant women and children under the age of 5, but especially those under the age of 2.
Prevention
The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated every year. Influenza is a seasonal illness and the virus that causes it is constantly changing, so scientists have to reformulate the vaccine to make it effective every year.
Since influenza and COVID – 19 are likely to circulate at the same time this season , getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Although the flu vaccine does not prevent COVID – 19, it will help lower the risk of illness and need for care flu-related medicine.
Why chicken soup is good for the flu
In an investigation on food and influenza, experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha analyzed the components of the traditional chicken soup, and found that this broth has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the side effects of the flu.
Dr. Stephen Rennard, an expert in lung diseases, who led the research, explained that the flu is the result of a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract, causing the cells of the immune system “migrate” to another part of the body.
At the same time that this occurs, an inflammatory effect occurs, increased mucosal production, which causes the effects side effects of congestion, cough, sore throat and mucus.
Chicken soup, explains Rennard, would reduce this inflammation. It is, he said, the “comfort food” par excellence: it reduces congestion, provides the necessary hydration to fight a flu-like state, and its vapors help to open the airways.
To reach this conclusion – published in the journal Chest, of the American College of Chest Physicians – scientists analyzed the components of a traditional Lithuanian chicken soup recipe, which contains chicken, onion, sweet potato, celery, carrot, parsley, salt and peppers, among other components.
The researchers also analyzed 13 brands of canned chicken soups, and found that they also met the effects of homemade soup on the flu.
Why chicken soup and not another ? Scientists believe that this combination of foods, especially the addition of chicken, is what achieves the anti-inflammatory effect that relieves the flu.
Studies of the Heart, Blood and Lung Institute; and the Mayo Clinic, support this theory.
But, it can be prevented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated against the flu every year, since the virus strain mutates and the vaccine that is effective one year is not effective the next.
When it comes to attacking flu symptoms naturally, the first thing that comes to mind is a good chicken soup.
And with good reason, science supports this food when one feels bad and has a fever because it concentrates a number of nutrients that help to cope with discomfort. Chicken offers protein while vegetables provide a wide range of vitamins. And the broth adds the hydration your body needs.
But not everyone knows that popular chicken soup is much more effective when you add a large amount of garlic .
Garlic in chicken soup provides selenium. | Photo: Getty Images
Garlic contains a powerful mineral called selenium , which helps the body to prevent cell damage. A clove of garlic contains only 0.4 micrograms of selenium, but using it frequently, and especially in chicken soup during convalescence, helps lower the risk of infection.