“Allergic flu” is a popular term often used to describe symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which appears mainly with the onset of winter.
During this season of the year, it is more common to have crowds of people inside, which promotes the spread of the flu virus. However, the cold, dry winter climate also promotes the dispersion of allergens in the air, facilitating the development of allergies. So, what can often look like a flu or a virus can actually be a type of allergy, such as rhinitis.
- Because the symptoms of influenza and rhinitis are very similar.
- It is common for them to get confused.
- However.
- Influenza is caused by viruses because rhinitis has an allergic cause.
- Requiring different treatment.
- When symptoms of an “allergic flu” appear.
- Ideally consult an allergist or family doctor to identify the cause and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of “allergic flu” are very similar to those of rhinitis and include:
These symptoms usually appear immediately and not gradually, for example, shortly after contact with a plant or inhalation of dust.
Unlike allergic rhinitis, which is characterized by more localized symptoms in the area of the face, influenza can cause more common symptoms such as fever, general discomfort and body pain.
In addition, flu symptoms tend to last 7 to 10 days, while symptoms of rhinitis may persist as long as there is exposure to a certain allergen in the air.
“Allergic flu” can usually be caused by
Although several substances in the environment can cause allergies, the origin of “allergic flu” is individual and should always be evaluated by an allergist.
Since the term “allergic flu” is almost always used to refer to an allergic rhinitis situation, treatment aims to relieve the allergy that causes symptoms. For this, your doctor may recommend medications such as corticosteroids, antiallergic medications, and nasal decongestants.
In addition, it may also be necessary to follow some important precautions, such as:
In cases where there has been no improvement with medications and for those who cannot avoid contact with allergen, the vaccine is an option. It is indicated if the skin or blood test checks the allergen. In this treatment, injections or sublingual drops are given in controlled amounts so that the body no longer has an overreaction to the substance responsible for the allergy.
Some teas, such as eucalyptus, are good alternatives for the treatment of “allergic flu” because they facilitate the discharge of nasal secretions, alleviating symptoms.
Discover other home remedies to relieve symptoms of “allergic flu”
“Allergic flu” attacks can be mitigated by certain measures in the environment in which you live:
It is important to note that symptoms can often be avoided by avoiding contact with known allergens. In fact, this is the only way that has been effectively tested against “allergic flu” attacks. It is therefore essential to identify the cause of seizures.