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HEALTH
Faze Online
The Flu (Influenza)
Frequently
referred to as the flu, influenza is a respiratory illness
which is caused by a virus. There are three different types
of virus (A, B and C) which cause the flu and they consist
of several strains. The type A virus changes fairly frequently
and for this reason we don't build up continuing immunity
to the "strain du jour".
Widespread
influenza outbreaks usually occur in the winter and early
spring and the virus is spread by close contact with infected
persons through airborne particles from the upper airway and
respiratory tract. The stomach flu is not the same as influenza.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of influenza differ from the common cold and can
consist of fever with chills, fatigue, generalized muscle
and body aches, headache, cough and sore throat. The appearance
of symptoms is often sudden and severe.
TREATMENT
Prevention through immunization is key, particularly in
high risk individuals or those whose immune systems are compromised
and poorly equipped to fight the virus. Persons who are at
high risk should also avoid those infected with the virus.
Persons who are strongly advised to receive the flu vaccine
include the elderly, nursing home residents, persons with
heart, lung and kidney disorders and those who work in the
health care profession. The vaccine varies from year to year
depending on the particular strain which is prevalent. If
someone receives the vaccine and still contracts the flu,
the symptoms will usually be less severe. The flu vaccine
is only effective for one season.
Two antiviral drugs are now available to help fight the flu.
These are Tamiflu and Relenza. They can speed recovery and decrease
the severity of symptoms. However they must be taken within
about two days of the onset of symptoms. Otherwise treatment
consists of getting lots of rest, staying hydrated and treating
specific symptoms. Most importantly, antibiotics are ineffective
against the influenza virus and viruses in general. In most
cases symptoms abate in one to two weeks.
There
are symptoms that can help you tell whether you have a cold
or a flu:
IS
IT A COLD OR THE FLU?
| |
| SYMPTOM |
COLD |
FLU |
| ONSET |
Gradual |
Sudden |
| FEVER |
Low |
High |
| SNEEZING |
Yes |
Maybe |
| SORE
THROAT |
Yes |
Maybe |
| COUGH |
Varies |
Dry |
| RUNNING
NOSE |
Yes |
Maybe |
| HEADACHE |
No |
Yes |
| CHILLS |
No |
Yes |
| FATIGUE |
Mild |
Severe |
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