Influenza or flu, is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Flu is highly contagious and is normally spread by the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. The common cold, including chest cold and head cold and seasonal flu are caused by viruses.
There are three types of flu virus:
- influenza A
- influenza B
- influenza C
Types A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics in the U.S. and Europe virtually every winter.
The type C influenza virus causes mild respiratory illness and is not responsible for outbreaks.
Symptoms of Flu
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle soreness
- High temperature
- Cold sweats and shivers
- Gastrointestinal
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chills
Causes of Flu
- The flu is a highly contagious disease.
- It spreads when you come into contact with the stuff someone else sneezes or coughs up.
- The virus enters your body when you touch your hands to your nose,eyes, or mouth
- The virus lives longer indoors in winter, because the air is less humid than outside.
How can we avoid flu
- Keep your hands clean.
- Wash them often to remove germs.
- Get a flu shot.
- The CDC makes a flu vaccine based on the type A strain that it believes will be most prevalent in the coming flu season.
Treatment
A virus causes flu, so antibiotics cannot help, unless the flu has led to another illness caused by bacteria There are two types of vaccination
- The flu shot
- the nasal-spray flu vaccine
Home remedies
- Stop smoking
- Stay at home
- Avoid alcohol
- Keep warm and rest
- Always clean your hands