What Is Influenza: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Influenza or flu
is a common infection that is caused by a virus
which affects the respiratory tract, the nose
and the upper air ways in particular. It is
also referred to as the flu or grip. Influenza
typically tends to emerge in the form of an
epidemic, attacking a lot of people at once.
And although it attacks or affects all age groups,
the highest incidence is found among children
and aged people and with chronic diseases. Moreover,
the symptoms of influenza also tend to be far
more severe than those of the common cold and
can affect various parts of the body such as
the stomach and muscles. It is also highly contagious,
spreading easily from one person to the other.
Furthermore, while it usually runs a course
of one to two weeks; it has been known to be
the cause of such life-threatening problems
as pneumonia, especially among the elder age
groups people who have chronic diseases.
Causes & Generalities
An acute sickness, influenza is usually the
result of one or more of the various strains
of the influenza virus attacking the cells in
people’s bodies. The infection, furthermore,
is usually transmitted either via the inhaling
of a respiratory droplet from an influenza affected
person or in coming into direct contact with
such items as the same glass which the patient
has used. One of the more crucial characteristics
of the influenza virus is that it yields the
capability to change or morph into various,
particularly advanced forms. This means that
you may not be capable of effectually protecting
yourself against a new strain of the virus,
especially if you have been exposed to a similar
virus or strain in the past. It is also essential
to ensure that patients are kept in semi- closed
environments as this minimizes the risk of contagion.
This is especially important when considering
that patients who have chronic lung disease,
heart disease, cancer, blood disorder, suppression
of the immune system and metabolic diseases
tend to be highly likely to become infected
via contagion. Pregnant women and children between
6 and 23 months of age too, are a high risk
group in this case.
Symptoms
Being infected with the influenza viruses can
result in illness ranging from mild to severe
as well as life-threatening complications. The
following are some of the more frequently encountered
symptoms of flu or influenza:
- headache
- dry cough
- fever (often 104 F)
- extreme fatigue
- muscle aches
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- sneezing
- chills
- malaise
- nasal congestion
There could even be Gastro-intestinal symptoms
in some cases, such as:
The worst symptoms often last for three to
five days, and then should begin to improve.
And While Influenza tends to have an extensively
debilitating impact upon individuals, most people
recover.
Treatments
Tests available for influenza include such diagnosis
as blood tests, and culturing of the nose or
throat in order to conduct microbiological analysis.
Your doctor can also take chest X-rays if there
are worries about any such complications such
as pneumonia. While there is no cure for influenza,
rest and liquids are typically prescribed as
the main treatments. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
or Ibuprofen and Aspirin can relieve aches in
the head and muscles. It is important, however,
to keep in mind that Aspirin should never be
given to children with a viral sickness. Although
there are quite a few supplements [Lactobacillus
acidophilus, Spirulina, Vitamin C, and Zinc]
to treat influenza it is essential to consult
your doctor about any supplements you are taking,
particularly since a prevalence of them tend
to entail side effects. |
