Define Flu

The flu (also referred to as influenza) is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the number of people in the United States who get the flu each year is estimated to be in the millions. The flu is caused by the influenza virus and is transmittable through the air, making it extremely susceptible to spreading to large groups of people at once.

Causes

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the influenza A virus and the influenza B virus are responsible for the majority of flu cases. Influenza A is more common in the winter, while influenza B is common year-round. The flu viruses can be transmitted through the air and land on various surfaces. A person becomes sick with the flu when he comes into contact with bodily fluids containing the virus (such as an infected person sneezing) or by touching a surface that is contaminated with the virus.

Features

• The flu has a variety of symptoms that can occur from one to seven days after exposure to an influenza virus. The U.S. National Library of Medicine reports that one of the main symptoms of the flu is a sudden fever of over 102 degrees F that lasts from one to five days. A person may also suffer from nausea or vomiting, chills, fatigue or headache. Two to four days after getting infected, the flu symptoms may zero in on the respiratory system and result in coughing, sneezing, sore throat or runny nose.

Treatment

• Since the flu is a virus, it cannot be cured. According to the CDC, the flu will usually subside within one week in healthy individuals. While a person is infected with the flu virus, it is recommended she stay away from others to prevent further spreading the virus and simply rest until the virus leaves the body. The U.S. National Library of Medicine advises people with the flu to drink liquids and take over-the-counter products to help relieve any individual symptoms, such as headache or trouble sleeping due to discomfort.

Effects

• According to the CDC, some people are more likely to suffer medical complications due to the flu virus. Children, pregnant women and people over the age of 50 may not easily recover from the flu. People with pre-existing respiratory problems or weakened immune systems may require hospitalization if they become infected. The flu can make pre-existing conditions even worse, especially congestive heart failure, diabetes or asthma. It can also cause pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections or dehydration.

Prevention/Solution

• The CDC recommends all people, especially those at a higher risk of flu complications, get a flu vaccination once a year. A vaccination is an injection that contains a small amount of the flu virus. When injected into the body, it forms antibodies that guard against future influenza viruses. It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to become effective, so it should be administered prior to the wintertime when flu is most prevalent. Practicing proper hygiene (such as washing hands often or not sharing bodily fluids) can also help prevent infection.