Influenza, most commonly known as the flu, is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. Highly contagious, influenza can cause severe illness and even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 20 percent of the American population gets the flu each year, with 36,000 deaths annually.
Types
There are three different types of the influenza virus. Types A and B viruses are the culprits for causing the flu epidemics each year in the United States. The type C virus is thought of as a mild form that doesn't cause an epidemic.
Both influenza A and B viruses can be broken down into different strains. In addition to different strains, type A virus can be broken down into subtypes, based on two proteins found on the virus' surface.
Causes
Influenza is most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing. It's also believed that influenza can be spread through the contact of an object that might have the influenza virus already on it. According to the CDC, most people can spread the influenza virus from one day before to five days after symptoms first develop.
Symptoms
Common influenza symptoms are fever, chills, excessive sweating, dry cough, headache, soreness, muscle aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. Seek medical attention if these symptoms develop any complications, like difficulty breathing or severe chest pains.
Treatment
Plenty of rest and fluids are the best methods for treating the flu. Sometime doctors prescribe antiviral medications for treating severe cases. These antiviral medications prevent any further spreading of the influenza virus and can possibly shorten the duration of sickness. However, there are the following side effects: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and breathing difficulties.
Prevention
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent getting influenza. There are two types of influenza vaccinations: the flu shot and nasal spray. The flu shot contains a killed influenza virus, it is injected into the body, and is given to people aged 6 months and older. The nasal spray contains a weakened influenza virus and can be used by healthy people between the ages of 2 and 49.
People who are allergic to chicken eggs, under the age of 6 months, already sick with a fever and who have had previous allergic reactions to influenza vaccinations should consult a physician before getting vaccinated.
