The enters for Disease Control breaks influenza strains into three categories: A, B and C. Within each of these, there may be variations and subtypes of flu that can mutate and infect people. The classifications separate the flu strains according...
A flu shot offers protection against influenza, a virus that infects the respiratory system. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, mucus production, body aches, weakness and chills. It can last for a week or longer and is fatal in some cases....
Body aches, chills, fever and sore throat are some of the most common symptoms of influenza, or flu. Since the flu is viral, most persons recover without prescription medication. At-home remedies for the flu can help alleviate symptoms and aid...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States approximately "5% to 20% of the population gets the flu" every year. The flu, or influenza, is an airborne virus, making it very contagious. Flu vaccines are...
The flu shot is a vaccine given to help prevent infection with the influenza virus. Influenza is spread easily through person-to-person contact. The influenza vaccine is recommended at the beginning of or during flu season, which runs from...
The flu is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. Called seasonal influenza, the peak time of year for flu is between November and March. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that every year anywhere from 5 to...
Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious virus that usually strikes in the winter months. A yearly vaccine is available that greatly lowers the odds of contracting influenza. Also called the flu, the symptoms of this virus vary from mild to...
The common cold and the flu share some symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms are so similar that a diagnosis based on symptoms alone is extremely difficult. In regards to symptoms, the main difference...
Vitamin C is readily available in fruits, vegetables and fortified foods. Having enough vitamin C is essential to keep your immune system strong. You can get adequate amounts of vitamin C from your diet, but in some cases you may need to take a...
With more cold and flu remedies on the market today than ever before, and considering there is no cure for the common cold, it's really all about minimizing symptoms, and getting back to your old self. These products include pharmaceuticals,...
According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," acute viral respiratory illness such as the common cold, flu and pneumonia are among the most common human diseases, accounting for half or more of all acute illnesses. The common cold,...
The swine flu, also known as the H1N1 influenza virus, is a strain of influenza that is a combination of the genetic materials from human, avian and swine flu virus. This virus was first discovered in 2009 and was declared a pandemic worldwide by...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccine is effective in 70 to 90 percent of healthy adults under 65 years of age, providing that the flu strain matches the flu shot composition. The vaccine administered...
The flu vaccine is given as a preventative measure to protect you against the influenza virus. Flu vaccines are made from inactivated flu viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges that everyone who is physically able to get a...
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu or H5N1, is a strain of influenza that primarily affects birds; however, the illness can also affect humans. H5N1 is classified as a type A influenza virus, which means that it is responsible for global...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the similarity of symptoms may make it hard to know the difference between the cold and the more serious seasonal flu (influenza). Reading the symptoms correctly can help you decide when...
There are a variety of conditions that can cause aching muscles and joints. Many causes are not serious and will go away by themselves without treatment, but these symptoms can be a sign of a more serious condition. Any pain in the muscles and...
The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is transmitted by contact with infected bodily fluids through unprotected sex, shared needles and blood transfusions. It eventually causes the life-threatening condition known as acquired immunodeficiency...
Avian flu or bird flu has been recognized as a health concern by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On April 17, 2007, a vaccine for avian flu was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. With the growing concern about bird flu,...
Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a form of the flu originating from a common virus found in birds. Humans can be infected with bird flu and any infection will typically turn out to be fatal. More than half the people affected by bird...
Similar symptoms of cold and flu can make it hard to tell the difference. In either case, the illness usually lasts for one to three weeks. The symptoms of a common cold develop slower than flu in two to three days. Flu symptoms start suddenly...
An aching head, sore muscles, runny nose, as well as lack of energy and an upset stomach are all flu symptoms; however, they can also indicate a food allergy or allergic rhinitis, which can be seasonal or year-round, notes MayoClinic.com. Most...
With the flu, you'll experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms that get in the way of your daily life. Many cases of the flu are viral, which means that medication is unlikely to alleviate your symptoms. The good news is that there are certain...
The flu, also known as influenza, is often mistaken for the common cold. Many of the symptoms may be the same but tend to come on much more quickly than they would with a cold. The flu is a viral infection that impacts the nose, throat, lungs...
In the early stages, meningitis appears to have similar symptoms to that of the flu, according to KidsHealth. Meningitis is an infection in the brain and spinal chord caused by a bacteria or virus. Bacterial meningitis is a severe condition with...
Zinc is a metal that your body needs in very small amounts for proper health. Zinc has a role in preventing diarrhea in children and helping conditions such as macular degeneration, skin problems and attention deficit disorder. Some evidence also...
Influenza viruses types A, B and C cause the illness known as the flu. Influenza viruses types A and B are primarily responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks, which typically begin in October or November and run through March. The Centers for...
Also known as the lemon cleanse and maple syrup diet, the Master Cleanse is a liquid diet created in 1941. It started gaining popularity among celebrities in the last decade. It involves drinking only a lemon concoction and water for 10 days or more.
Elderberries have a long history as a folk cure for a variety of ailments. Currently, scientific studies are being conducted to test the accuracy of these health claims. While some uses haven't been proven yet, elderberries in the form of...
Sore throat, or pharyngitis, is a painful condition wherein the pharynx inflames and makes swallowing difficult. Learn more about sore throat in this health video.
The word "dizzy" is used to describe everything from feeling faint or lightheaded to feeling weak and unsteady. Dizziness that creates the sense that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving is called vertigo. Learn about the different...
Meningitis is an inflammation of meninges, membranes that protect the brain or spinal cord. Find the facts on viral meningitis including treatment options in this video.
