Flu Cures

The flu, also known as influenza, is an infection of the throat, lungs and nose. It commonly causes symptoms such as headache, runny nose, fever, cough, shortness of breath and dizziness. While symptoms are generally mild, episodes of the flu in children, the elderly or other people with volatile immune systems may require hospitalization. Available cures for the flu come in the form of vaccination and medication.

Vaccine

• Flu vaccines are typically made from inactivated forms of the virus. Other vaccines are attenuated (non-infective) for individuals at high risk of developing serious complications on account of the flu. The vaccine is available to most people but is generally given to children, the elderly or people at high risk of developing influenza.

  Vaccines are 70-90 percent effective at preventing flu in healthy adults. It is advised that individuals remain current with flu vaccines to prevent symptoms and hospitalization. An individual is considered to be current when he receives the most recently updated version of the vaccine. It is given every year on account of the fact that influenza viruses are constantly mutating and may exhibit resistances to prior vaccinations.

Medication

• There are medications available to people who contract influenza. These come in the form of antiviral drugs known as oseltamivir and zanamivir. Both will typically shorten the symptoms of the flu. Antiviral medications accomplish this by deactivating the enzyme necessary for viruses to grow and spread. After the virus has lost its ability to replicate and reproduce, the body's immune system can usually dispose of the infection over time without the need for hospitalization.

Prevention

• Prevention will always be the best cure for any illness. Regarding influenza, proper hygiene is a primary means to preventing the spread of it. Wash your hands after eating or after touching a contaminated surface (doorknob, counter, keyboard, etc). Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and inside of ears as much as possible. Dispose of used tissues immediately. Limit your exposure time with people who are infected with influenza, as the flu is commonly spread through touch or infected air. Antiviral medications have certain preventative qualities and may limit your chance of contracting the flu. However, drugs should be taken only under the direction of a doctor or physician.

Warning

• People with allergies to eggs should not receive the flu vaccine. This is because it is grown and harvested in hen's eggs and may cause severe allergic reactions. Other side effects of the vaccine are generally mild and include soreness at the area of injection.