Flu – How to Prevent and What to Do if You Get the Flu
Flu is a very common disease worldwide, and millions of people get the flu each year. Flu, for which the medical term is influenza, is an infection of the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. The flu occurs most frequently in the period late fall to early spring, usually in limited outbreaks. You can take steps to reduce the chance of getting the flu through the preventative measures in this article. If you should catch the flu, it is important to be prepared to cope with it.
Flu spreads from person-to-person when someone with the flu virus talks, coughs, or sneezes and spreads droplets containing the virus, or when a person contacts objects that are contaminated with the flu virus. When you touch a surface, such as a virus- contaminated faucet handle, door handle, or phone, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can transfer the virus to your body.
The flu is caused by the influenza virus of a strain that affects both mammals and birds. The virus is persistent, and transmission because of lack of proper hygienic practice is a very real threat.
The most susceptible people for getting the flu are young children, because they have not been exposed to the viruses before, and those with weak immune systems such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases. One of the serious life-threatening consequences of flu is that those with very weak immune systems can develop pneumonia, which can cause death.
The most common symptoms of the flu are fever, sore throat, and cough. Additional effects of the disease are chills, muscle pain, severe headache, and physical exhaustion. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Complete recovery from flu will take one to two weeks.
You can undertake a proactive effort to greatly reduce your change of getting the flu, and if you do get it, the effort should help reduce its debilitating effect.
1. Maintain a healthy body and immune system
2. Get your flu shot
3. Use preventive hygiene to stop the spread of the virus
4. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them
We are all susceptible to getting the flu. With careful planning and following recommendations, you can reduce your chance of getting the flu and reduce the effects, and you may also help reduce the magnitude or effects of any flu outbreaks.