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Flu

What is flu
Influenza is a highly contagious virus infection affecting the respiratory system. Symptoms begin after an incubation period of one to four days and include, a high temperature up to 390C (1030F), headache, loss of appetite, muscular aches and pains, weakness. Symptoms often continue for about a week unless there are complications, in which case new symptoms may commence in the second week. Flu viruses can be transmitted to your hands when covering the nose and mouth when sneezing. These can then be passed on to other people through shaking hands, so washing your hands regularly is an important preventative step.
Flu viruses are transmitted by coughing and sneezing. Droplets expelled from the mouth and nose can circulate in the atmosphere and reach the respiratory passages of other people. Transmission may also occur through skin contact, particularly through shaking hands as the viruses are even transmitted to the hands when covering the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and since the virus can live for a short period on the skin, frequent washing of the hands is an important preventive measure.
Type of viruses
There are three main types of influenza virus, called A, B and C, although it is usually the type A virus that causes the worst epidemics. Type C influenza is mild to the extent that it is indistinguishable from a common cold. Type A influenza is usually more debilitating than type B.
Most people at risk
The elderly, People with chronic respiratory disease such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, People with chronic heart disease, chronic renal disease and diabetes mellitus, People in long-stay residential and nursing homes.
Further Problems
Secondary infection with bacterial organisms such as Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilic influenza and Staphylococcus aureus can often cause middle ear infections and pneumonia. In vulnerable people death from haemorrhage within the lungs or septicaemia may occasionally occur.
Can I Avoid it
In practice, keeping clear of people who are coughing and sneezing, and washing hands thoroughly can help, although immunization offers the best chance.
Treatment
For typical symptoms the influenza sufferer should rest in bed in a warm, well-ventilated room. Painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin can relieve aches and pains and reduce fever. Plenty of fluids prevent dehydration and steam inhalations can have a soothing effect on the lungs.
Immunization
A flu jab against influenza is effective and safe. The World Health Organization recommends the vaccine strains by predicting those viruses most likely to cause outbreaks in any given year. This year everyone aged 65 and over will be offered vaccination free of charge as will everybody in the at-risk categories, no matter what their age. Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Reactions are rare and in nearly all cases, mild. People who are allergic to eggs and women who are pregnant should not be immunized.