What is Influenza?
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by a virus that attacks the upper respiratory tract. The virus infects the nose, throat, and lungs. Typical symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Some people may vomit, or have diarrhea but these symptoms are more common in children than adults.
Influenza strikes suddenly. The infection usually lasts about a week but may take about one to two weeks to completely recover. Most people who have the flu do not need medical attention. Most flu symptoms can be treated at home. Home treatment includes resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever. However, influenza can turn into pneumonia. This can be dangerous for young children, older people, and those with weak immune systems. This illness can become deadly if it develops into pneumonia. So make it important to see your doctor if you think you have flu symptoms instead of just the common cold.
Types of Influenza
Researchers have divided the flu viruses into three general categories: types A, B, and C. All three types can mutate, or change into new strains. Type A influenza mutates often, yielding new strains of the virus every few years. This means that you can never develop a permanent immunity to influenza. Even if you develop antibodies against a flu virus one year, those antibodies are unlikely to protect you against a new strain of the flu virus the next year.
Type A mutations are responsible for major flu epidemics every few years. Type B is less common and generally results in milder cases of flu. However, major flu epidemics can occur with type B every three to five years. Type C causes infection but does not cause typical flu symptoms. Both influenza A and B have been linked to the development of Reye's syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that usually affects children and teens under age 18.
Preventing Influenza
The best way to prevent influenza is to get the flu vaccine every year. It is available in a shot or nasal spray. Even though the vaccine is not 100% effective, it is important to follow other precautions as well. Washing your hands frequently and thoroughly will decrease your chance of getting the infection. It is also a good idea to keep and alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy in case soap is not available. Keep your distance from the people who are coughing and sneezing. During the peak of flu season, it is best to avoid large crowds because the flu spreads easily wherever people congregate.
