Flu Season and Ear Infections: What New Orleans Residents Need to Know

Flu season is in full swing. Even if you’re the healthiest you’ve ever been, no one is really immune to the flu, and contracting it can definitely force you into your bed for a few days or even a few weeks.

At some point in our lives – and especially during the dreaded cold and flu season – we all have experienced chills, body aches, fatigue, persistent cough, and congestion. Another primary symptom of the flu is the feeling that our ears are stuffed and plugged. This is due to congestion building up in the middle ear. While this congestion in the ears is only temporary, the common flu can sometimes result in an ear infection, among other ENT-related concerns.

Today, we dive deep into the connection between flu and ear infections.

What Is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection is a middle ear infection caused by a bacteria or virus. The infection often results from another illness like the flu, common cold, or allergy. These illnesses are known to cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, throat, and the ears’ eustachian tubes which typically results in nasal congestion and blockages.

In the middle ears are a pair of narrow tubes called the eustachian tubes. The role of these tubes is to regulate air pressure in the ear and refresh air in the ear, among other things. When a person is dealing with the flu, cold, or allergies, the eustachian tubes can become swollen and blocked, causing fluid buildup in the middle ear. This then becomes the perfect environment for infections.

Ear infections are painful and uncomfortable. Moreover, they often cause muffled hearing, temporary hearing loss, or balance issues.

How Does the Flu Affect the Ears?

Pain and discomfort due to the flu virus can often migrate from your nose or throat into the ears through the eustachian tubes.

The flu virus can impact the ears because the upper respiratory infection and its accompanying symptoms can prevent the eustachian tubes from working as they should. The congestion and blockages from flu symptoms can interfere with the tube’s function, making it impossible to regulate air and pressure in the middle ear. Swelling followed by fluid buildup in the middle ear will result in a stuffed sensation, painful pressure, and most often, temporary muffled hearing or hearing loss.

Ear infections are especially common in children because, unlike adults with slightly slanted eustachian tubes, theirs are more flat. This means their bodies can’t regulate ear pressure as well as adults. The elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are also more susceptible to developing flu complications like ear infections.

How to Prevent Ear Infections During Flu Season

The best way to prevent ear infections during flu season is by preventing flu.

The flu virus is highly contagious and can easily spread from one person to another. To prevent its spread, always practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially when you touch other people. Don’t touch your nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands – and avoid sharing personal items like utensils, scarves, hats, and more.

When you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a clean tissue and dispose of it immediately. If a tissue is unavailable, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Either way, don’t forget to wash your hands after.

Strengthen your immune system by maintaining a healthy diet of nutrient and vitamin-rich foods. Keep yourself hydrated, especially during the winter season when dryness is prominent. Exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and consider adding vitamin supplements to your diet.

Need Help? Get in Touch With ENT & Allergy of New Orleans Today!

If you think you contracted the flu virus, you must visit your doctor within 48 hours after the first symptoms show up to help minimize the symptoms and discomfort. It can also help prevent the onset of an ear infection and other sinus issues before they show up.

Request a consultation with our team at ENT & Allergy of New Orleans today and let’s start you on your journey towards healthier ears, nose, and throat, regardless of the season and weather!

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