Flu Information

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a type of respiratory disease. The flu attacks your lungs, throat, nose and bronchial tubes. The intensity of symptoms can range from mild to severe. Healthy young adults have a better chance of recovering quickly and without complications. To avoid becoming infected, wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs and try not to touch your face. If you do become infected, you may be treated with antiviral medications.

Types

• There are three main types of influenza viruses. Influenza A (which includes the swine flu) has the potential to cause worldwide epidemics. Influenza B can cause smaller and more localized outbreaks of the flu. And influenza C has so far never caused a large outbreak. While types A and B evolve rapidly, with new strains developing on a regular basis, type C is a more stable type of virus.

Causes

• The flu is a contagious airborne virus. This means that it travels through the air whenever an infected person sneezes or coughs. It's possible to inhale the droplets that result from those activities. You can also become infected by touching a virus-covered surface then touching your mouth, eyes or nose.

Symptoms

• The flu may seem like a regular cold at first, but the symptoms of the flu will rapidly worsen. You may have a fever, possibly as high as 103 to 105 degrees. You may also have a headache, a dry cough, chills, sweating, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, muscle aches and pains, diarrhea and vomiting.

Warning

• The possibility of additional complications with a viral infection increases if you are an older adult, a child or if you have a compromised immune system due to another illness. If you are at a higher risk, you may also develop ear infections, encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain), pneumonia, bronchitis and acute sinusitis.

Prevention/Solution

• To help prevent becoming infected by influenza, get an annual flu vaccination every fall. While the flu shot does not offer a complete guarantee against becoming infected, it can help decrease the risk and reduce the severity of the illness. If you do become infected, get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. Drinking liquids like chicken soup can prevent dehydration and ease congestion. Whenever possible, avoid direct contact with other people to prevent the spread of the illness. Your doctor may also prescribe an antiviral medication, especially if you are a person at a higher risk or if your flu symptoms are severe.