Worried about catching the flu? Want to learn some ways to prevent it? Then read on to learn more about influenza — what it is, how it’s spread, and who’s at greatest risk for getting it. Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing flu! Influenza, commonly known as the “flu,” is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The flu virus attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. The common cold and flu are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract.
Although the symptoms can be similar, the flu is much worse. A cold may drag you down a bit, but the flu can make you shudder at the very thought of getting out of bed. Congestion, sore throat, and sneezing are common with colds. Both cold and flu may bring coughing (less common), headache, and chest discomfort. With the flu, though, you are likely to run a high fever for several days and have body aches, fatigue, and weakness. Symptoms of the flu also tend to come on abruptly.
Researchers divide flu viruses into three general categories: types A, B, and C. All three types can mutate, or change into new strains, and type A influenza mutates often, yielding new strains of the virus every few years. This means that you can never develop a permanent immunity to influenza. Even if you develop antibodies against a flu virus one year, those antibodies are unlikely to protect you against a new strain of the flu virus the next year.
Stomach flu” is a popular term, but not a true medical diagnosis. It’s not uncommon to mistake gastroenteritis, which is what stomach flu is, for the viral infection we commonly call the “flu.” Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines). Viruses are the most common cause of stomach flu.
The flu virus is spread from person to person through respiratory secretions and typically sweeps through large groups of people who spend time in close contact, such as in daycare facilities, classrooms, college dormitories, military barracks, offices, and nursing homes. Flu is spread when you inhale droplets in the air that contain the flu virus, make direct contact with respiratory secretions through sharing drinks or utensils, or handle items contaminated by an infected person.
Frequent and thorough handwashing is a key way to limit the spread of influenza. Flu symptoms start to develop from one to four days after infection with the virus. While anyone can get flu, infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and HIV are at the highest risk for flu complications.
Researchers have found that specific strains of flu can be prevented by a flu vaccine, either a flu shot or a nasal spray flu vaccine. In addition, antiviral medications are available to prevent flu. These drugs may help reduce the severity and the duration of flu and are best used within the first 48 hours of the appearance of flu symptoms.
Michoes Medical Centre offers 10 simple tips to ease your flu symptoms and get you back on your feet quickly. Wondering what to eat when you have the flu? Michoes Medical Centre offers diet recommendations for soothing symptoms and boosting the immune system. Learn more from Michoes Medical Centre about flu treatment with antiviral drugs, which shorten the duration of the virus and may ease the severity of symptoms.
Michoes Medical Centre explains how to treat flu symptoms – including what to take and what to avoid. The common flu is contagious by nature. But how long it remains contagious might depend upon a number of factors. Learn more to prevent it from spreading.
Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and types of flu in this detailed article. Get quick tips on measures of prevention and more. Can exercise help prevent the flu? Should you work out when you have a flu? Michoes Medical Centre explains.
Get Quick Relief from Flu Symptoms at Michoes Medical Centre
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Michoes Medical Centre today to book an appointment with our specialist team.
Call us now on +254 723 456 789 or visit our clinic located at Kijabe Road, Kilele, Nairobi, Kenya for expert flu treatment and advice. Our team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best care possible.
Don’t let the flu get the better of you. Visit Michoes Medical Centre today to take control of your health.
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