Pregnant women and the extremely obese are among those at high risk for complications from the influenza.They should be tested and given antiviral treatment promptly.The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) released new guidelines which said that antiviral treatment should be given within two days after the flu symptoms are witnessed in people, both at high risk for complications (such as bronchitis, middle ear infection, and pneumonia), and even for those without.
"Annual influenza vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza, but it is not 100 per cent effective. Those at high risk need to be encouraged to seek medical care right away if they develop influenza symptoms during influenza season," added Timothy M. Uyeki, chief medical officer of the National Center for Immunisation and Respiratory Diseases in the US.
Typical flu signs and symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches, chills, runny nose and sore throat. Headache and chest pain are also the symptoms of flu.