Influenza: What You Should Know
January 25, 2012
The flu or influenza is an infectious disease that infects millions of Americans annually. This infectious disease is caused by a virus that can be inhaled, in the form of air droplets, or acquired through contact with contaminated objects. After the virus comes into contact with your eyes, nose and mouth, it will most likely proceed to cause infection.
Initially the infected person may be asymptomatic, but, in a few days time, signs of this infectious disease begin to develop. In its early stages, the flu is nearly indistinguishable from the common cold because of the fact that it present’s with many of the same symptoms but the flu tends to develop much faster. The symptoms of the flu are almost always more severe than that of the common cold. Fever, muscle aches, nasal congestion, headache, fatigue and weakness are the most commonly described symptoms of influenza.
In the vast majority of cases, medical help is not required to overcome the flu, bed rest and a hefty fluid intake are usually enough to stave off the disease. However, certain conditions and factors increase a person’s risk of developing complications associated with the flu. The elderly, young children, people with suppressed immune systems (e.g. HIV sufferers), malnourished people, people with harsh living conditions (e.g. Prisons) and pregnant women are all at a higher risk for developing complications as a result of the flu. People who fall into these categories should seek medical help when dealing with the flu. Medical help usually comes in the form of anti-viral medications such as zanamivir and oseltamivir.
These medications combined with rest, adequate liquid consumption, and anti-inflammatory medications are successful in suppressing the infection and preventing complications. If left unchecked influenza has the potential to cause complications such as sinus infections, bronchitis, ear infections and pneumonia. Though it is rare, some of these complications have the potential to be fatal.
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