Editor: Zach Kinsey
In this article you will learn about influenza; how to prevent it, the symptoms of influenza, and how to treat it. Flu season begins in the United States in November and ends in April. The flu incubates in humans for approximately 24 hours, after which symptoms begin to appear. Flu shots are available now at your doctors' office to aid in the prevention of influenza.
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. The virus attacks the organs of the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and lungs. The symptoms of influenza include: fever, headache, lethargy, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. The symptoms of the flu appear suddenly, unlike cold symptoms that appear gradually.
Everyone is susceptible to the flu, but for some the flu can be deadly. Persons 65 years old or older, people with chronic medical conditions, very young children, and people with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk for deadly side effects from the flu. Side effects include: pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections are common side effects of the flu. These side effects present in the high risk categories can cause death if not treated properly.
Influenza is a virus, so antibiotics are not effective treatment for symptoms. You can rest, drink plenty of liquids, avoid alcohol and tobacco use, and take medications to relieve symptoms of the flu. Over the counter medications such as Tylenol cold and flu are effective in relieving the symptoms of the flu. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers' aspirin to relieve symptoms of the flu. Aspirin can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye Syndrome.
Children and teenagers with the flu should do the following to relieve symptoms: Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take non-aspirin medications. Rest and proper hygiene such as hand washing, will prevent the spread to brothers and sisters, and Mom and Dad too.
Influenza is an airborne virus, meaning that the virus can be spread by droplets from sneezing, coughing, or speaking. The virus enters the body by being inhaled into the respiratory tract. Adults can pass the virus for 3-7 days after symptoms appear, children can pass the virus for longer than seven days.
By using proper hygiene, hand washing, and limiting contact with others when symptoms develop, you can prevent the spread of the flu. Doctors are able to administer a flu vaccine to persons at high risk to aid in the prevention of the flu.
For more information on the flu and other communicable diseases go to: http://www.cdc.gov