by 
The Curious Bag
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The influenza virus, often called the flu for short, is often treatable with modern medicine. However, over the course of a bout with the flu, the sick person undergoes emotional stress and physical strain, sometimes leading to post-flu depression.
Biological Cause
According to The San Francisco Chronicle, post-flu depression is caused by a biological reaction to your body's increased cytokine protein levels. While cytokines help you overcome flu symptoms, they adversely affect your overall mood.
Psychosomatic Cause
Post-flu depression can also be caused by the flu virus' mental strain. The flu weakens your body, making day-to-day activities frustrating and extremely stressful. This can lead to a feeling of despair.
Symptoms
Like other forms of depression, post-flu depression makes you feel sad and hopeless. Post-flu depression makes it difficult for you to return to a normal routine after flu symptoms have ended.
Duration
According to MedicalEcology.org, post-flu depression can last several weeks or months. Seeking prompt treatment will reduce recovery time.
Treatment
Post-flu depression can be treated with talk therapy. Although typically not prescribed for post-flu depression, antidepressant medication is also useful in extreme cases.
Source:
San Francisco Chronicle: Ask the Doc: How Exactly Can Flu Kill A Healthy Person?
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