Flu

Overview

Flu, also known as influenza, is an illness caused by the influenza virus. It usually infects the respiratory system causing symptoms such as sniffing, coughing and sneezing. It is a highly contagious infection.

Types

There are three types of influenza viruses, which are all RNA virus, but differ in their forms of infection and symptoms:

• Influenza A: This infection is caused by the influenza virus A and is the most severe type, responsible for many of history's devastating epidemics. The most common hosts are the wild aquatic birds.
• Influenza B: This infection is caused by the influenza virus B, which can also cause epidemics, but is a milder form. It exclusively infects humans, but rarely.
• Influenza C: This infection is caused by the influenza virus C, which usually produces mild symptoms in children. It has not been linked to an epidemic.
• Swine Flu: Common among swine, this virus is actually a combination of flu viruses.

Symptoms

The flu typically begins with a fever of 102 degrees or above that usually lasts for a day or two, but can extend up to five days. You might feel very chill, get body aches and flushed skin. Headache, nausea and even vomiting can occur in some cases.

Symptoms of the flu usually begin within two to three days of exposure to the virus. Because the flu is airborne, it usually spreads to the entire family or community. The flu can cause complications, which can be serious and even life threatening. Usually by day three or four, the worst of the overall symptoms like aches and chills subside, and coughing, runny nose, sore throat, a dry cough and sneezing sometimes begin or worsen if they were already present. Usually these respiratory symptoms are gone after a week, though the cough can persist longer.

Causes/Risk Factors

There can be a direct transmission of the disease from someone already infected with the virus. People around an infected person may catch the infection by inhaling tiny moisture droplets of coughing or sneezing from the infected person. It can also spread by direct personal contact with the infected person, such as a hand shake.

In some cases, sick persons with suppressed immune systems are quite susceptible to flu that can progress and cause complications, such as pneumonia and other potentially life-threatening illnesses.

Tests/Diagnosis

One of the most common methods of testing the flu to confirm the influenza virus is by swabbing the nose and throat and investigating for a specific antigen that the body produces to fight influenza. Blood tests can be done to check the severity of the infection. Sometimes, x-rays are done to check for the pneumonic infection of lungs caused by the virus.

Treatment

All the flu sufferers should drink plenty of fluids and get adequate rest during the infection, even for a few days after the infection has passed. In case it is diagnosed quickly, some antiviral medications can make the illness slightly more short-lived than normal. Most people recover within 10 days without medication.

To help prevent getting the flu, there are flu shots that can help fight against the virus. In most cases, the shots are free. And if there is a fee, it is usually inexpensive. Consult your doctor about how to get the shot.