Dubai Winter: Know the Difference Between Rhinovirus Infections and Influenza Flu

Published on: 3rd February 2023
Medically reviewed by: General Practitioner at First Response Healthcare

Influenza (flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs, all of which form part of the respiratory system. Influenza commonly referred to as the flu, is different from the stomach flu virus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting. Most patients recover on their own, however, sometimes the flu and its complications can be fatal. The influenza vaccine, however, can reduce the complications caused by an infection. This is why it becomes essential to get an influenza shot.

People who are at increased risk of developing flu complications include the following:

Infants under 2 years old
Adults over 65 years old
Residents of nursing homes
Women who are pregnant or plan to get pregnant during flu season
People who have weak immune systems
American Indians or Alaska Natives
People with chronic diseases such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes
People who have a BMI (body mass index) of 40 or more

Getting an influenza shot becomes absolutely necessary under the above-mentioned cases.

What Are The Symptoms of Influenza Flu?

In the beginning, the flu feels similar to a common cold and you may experience a runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat. However, while a cold usually develops slowly and steadily, the influenza flu might make you feel unwell suddenly.

Common symptoms of influenza flu include:

Fever
Aching muscles
Chills and sweats
Headache
Dry, persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Tiredness and weakness
Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Eye pain
Vomiting and diarrhea, which is more likely in children than adults

What Is The Treatment For Influenza Flu?

Most people who get the flu can be treated at home and often do not need to see a doctor. If you have flu symptoms and are at risk of complications, it is important to call your doctor right away. Taking antiviral medications can shorten the duration of illness and prevent more serious problems.

Here are some influenza flu symptoms that you should know of, for which you should seek medical help immediately:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain
Ongoing dizziness
Seizures
Worsening of already existing medical conditions
Severe weakness or muscle pain

Emergency symptoms in children can include:

Difficulty breathing
Pale, gray or blue-colored skin or lips
Chest pain
Dehydration
Severe muscle pain
Seizures
Worsening of already existing medical conditions

What Causes Influenza Flu?

The influenza flu virus travels through the air as droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Droplets can be inhaled directly. Alternatively, you can pick up germs from things like your cell phone or computer keyboard and transfer them to your eyes, nose, and mouth. A person infected with the virus can become infected from about 1 day before symptoms appear to about 4 days after they develop symptoms. Children and people with weak immune systems can be infected for a little longer.

Newer strains of the influenza virus keep appearing regularly given that the virus is constantly changing. If you’ve had the flu in the past, your body is already making antibodies to fight that particular strain of the virus. If future influenza viruses are similar to those previously encountered through illness or influenza vaccine, these antibodies can prevent infection or reduce its severity. However, antibody levels can decline over time. Plus, antibodies of influenza viruses you’ve encountered in the past won’t protect you from new strains of influenza. This makes it all the more important to take an influenza vaccine shot annually.

To look for an influenza vaccine in Dubai, simply type in flu vaccine near me in your search browser and look for FRH in your search recommendations.

How Can You Limit The Spread Of Influenza Flu?

Over and above taking an influenza vaccine shot annually, here are some more important tips that you should keep in mind to control or limit the spread of the influenza flu infection:

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is an effective way to prevent many common infections. Alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover coughs and sneezes. Cough and sneeze into a handkerchief or the bend of your arm. Then wash your hands.
Regularly clean high-touch surfaces to prevent the spread of infection by touching surfaces that have the virus on them and then touching your face.
Influenza spreads wherever people gather: daycare centers, schools, office buildings, auditoriums, and public transport. Avoiding crowds during peak flu season can reduce the risk of infection.
Also, if you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided to reduce the risk of infecting others.

How Are Rhinovirus Infections Different From Influenza Flu?

Rhinovirus infections, which are common in spring and autumn, are likely to cause only mild symptoms. This virus, however, is the main cause of the common cold, especially in children. Rhinovirus Infections are very contagious, however, they generally do not cause any serious complications.

What Are Rhinovirus Symptoms?

The rhinovirus infection typically lasts for 7 to 11 days but may persist for longer with the following rhinovirus symptoms:

Nasal dryness or irritation
Sore throat
Nasal discharge
Nasal congestion
Sneezing
Headache
Facial and ear pressure
Loss of sense of smell and taste
Cough
Hoarseness of voice
Vomiting
Irritability
Restlessness
Fever

If you notice any of the above-mentioned rhinovirus symptoms kindly visit a doctor or First Response Healthcare’s website for any related queries.

How Are Rhinovirus Infections Treated?

Rhinovirus infections are usually mild and get better on their own. Adults usually recover within seven days of rhinovirus infection, whereas children take longer, typically 10 to 14 days. Occasionally, children may have a cough that lasts for two to three weeks.

Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms, but good hygiene prevents the spread of infection. Treatment of infected adults with rhinovirus infection may include the following:

Adequate rest and sleep give your body enough time to recover from a rhinovirus infection.
Regardless of your age, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated when you have a cold or cough. This helps remove excess mucus from the sinuses.
Using a saline nasal spray can help clear mucus from your nasal passages.
Using a cold mist humidifier and placing it near your bed will humidify the area and keep your nasal passages moist.
Studies have reported that chicken soup contains ingredients that help thin mucus and relieve constipation. Soups and broths will not only keep you hydrated but also provide nutrients. Additionally, the warmth of the soup can be soothing, especially for those with flu, colds, and coughs.
Nasal congestion is often worse at night and can be made worse by sleeping on your stomach. Grab a pillow and raise your head slightly higher so that the mucus can drain from the nose into the throat.
On the doctor’s directions, you can use antihistamines such as Brompheniramine, Chlorpheniramine, Dimenhydrinate, and Diphenhydramine.
You can also use nasal decongestants such as Oxymetazoline and Phenylephrine.

How Does Rhinovirus Infection Spread?

Rhinovirus infections spread through the air in the form of droplets in the following ways:

Coughing
Sneezing
Close personal contact
Touching contaminated surfaces and objects

Influenza Vaccine At Home In Dubai | First Response Healthcare?

FRH is one of the best home healthcare companies in Dubai, offering a range of medical services including the service of flu vaccine or influenza vaccine at home. You no longer need to search for a ‘flu vaccine near me,’ since FRH can administer the influenza vaccine to you in Dubai right at your doorstep.

First Response Healthcare is a JCI-accredited home healthcare company and one of the leading names in Homecare health organizations in Dubai that have received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission International. FRH’s services meet international quality standards, are patient-focused, professional and reliable. The FRH team is made up of highly qualified, experienced, and DHA-licensed doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and medical professionals. Through FRH, you can not just take the influenza vaccine at home, but you can also get at home doctor service, hotel, or office in case you need diagnosis or treatment for any of your symptoms. FRH services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.

FRH provides various packages for families and couples, wherein you can get the influenza vaccine for you and your loved ones at reasonable rates.

If you’re searching for a ‘’flu vaccine near me’’ on your laptop, FRH services will surely be the right fit for all your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Book Services For Influenza Vaccine At Home In Dubai?

You can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC to schedule an appointment for your influenza vaccine in Dubai. You can also book an appointment online by visiting our website.

If you’re typing ‘’a flu vaccine near me’’ or a ‘’flu shot near me’’ on your keyboard, FRH’s website should be your go-to list.

When Can You Schedule An Appointment With Us?

You can schedule an appointment with us at any time and day that works for you, based on your availability. Our services are available 24*7, 365 days a year, even on weekends and public holidays.

Where Do We Offer Our Services?

We cover the entire emirate of Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah and our doctor can visit you at your home, hotel, or office.

To avail the services of a doctor at home or to get the flu shot in Dubai, you can call 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book an appointment online by visiting our website.