Flu (Influenza)
Introduction/Overview
Influenza, most often referred to as the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. It usually bothers your bronchial tubes, throat, nose and lungs. The flu can be life threatening if you have a chronic disease, such as diabetes or heart disease or a weak immune system, such as someone with AIDS. In 2009, a new form of the flu, H1N1 swine flu, emerged and there have been over 14,000 deaths worldwide through March, 2010. The flu does not necessarily include vomiting or other gastrointestinal symptoms like many people think, but vomiting can be one of the swine flu symptoms.
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Some people have trouble differentiating between a cold and the flu. Both affect the respiratory system, but the flu is usually stronger and has more symptoms. Flu symptoms include having a fever (temperature greater than 101), dry cough, sweats and chills, tiredness, aches and pains in muscles, headache, muscle weakness, congestion, and appetite loss. Swine flu symptoms include these and more serious respiratory problems, such as shortness of breath (sometimes resulting in ARDS–acute respiratory distress syndrome), chest pain, vomiting, and being confused. See your doctor if flu symptoms are severe or you have a chronic disease.
Known Causes
The flu is caused by a virus, which is why it does not respond to antibiotics. The influenza viruses are spread through the air in droplets and opening your mouth spreads the droplets around, no matter whether you cough, sneeze or touch an object which someone with the flu also touched. There are four types of viruses: influenza A, B, C and H1N1. Types A and B have been most active as new strains continually evolve.
Treatments/Procedures
Most people do not see a doctor or take medications for the flu. The age-old advice to “rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids” still holds true. For those who need to get rid of the flu faster or have chronic health problems, your doctor may prescribe a antiviral flu medication. The most popular is Tamiflu ™(oseltamivir). Relenza™(zanamivir) is an inhaled flu medication and should not be used by people with respiratory problems or asthma. Tamiflu™ is not recommended for children.
Prevention / Vaccination
The biggest thing you can do to protect you from the flu is to get a flu vaccination annually. A flu injection is usually give in October or November to stave off the flu during the upcoming flu season. In North America, this is winter, December to April. If you forget, it is better to get flu vaccinations late than not at all. None of the flu vaccines guarantee you won’t get the flu, but the flu vaccine is a must for those people who have chronic health conditions. Other flu preventative measures can include frequently washing your hands, avoiding going to places which have large crowds of people, eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, and exercising.
Prognosis / Management
If you should get the flu, there are several things you can do to alleviate some of the symptoms. Chicken soup really is good for the flu because it reduces congestion. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help aches and pains. Drink plenty of fluids and get a lot of rest so your immune system is strong.
Alternative Treatments & Products
There are lots of alternative treatments, mostly home remedies, for the flu. Echinacea is one herb that is gaining popularity as a flu and cold treatment. It jumpstarts the immune system by sending more white blood cells to fight bacteria and viruses. Both garlic and onions are good for colds and the flu as is ginger. Vitamin C is also recommended to help the immune system fight against colds and flu.