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 Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is an illness caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract.
Compared with most other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, influenza (flu) infection often causes a more severe illness with a mortality rate (death rate) of about 0.1% of people who are infected with the virus.
Unusually severe worldwide outbreaks (pandemics) have occurred several times in the last 100 years since influenza virus was identified
in 1933. By an examination of preserved tissue, the worst influenza pandemic occurred in 1918 when the virus caused between 40 to 100 million deaths with a mortality rate estimated to range from 2% to 20%.
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Symptoms |
The first symptoms of infection appear one to four days after the virus has entered a person's body. They include headache, dry cough, and chills. These symptoms are followed quickly by overall achiness and a fever that may run as high as 104°F (40°C). As the fever declines, nasal (nose) congestion and a sore throat become noticeable. The flu leaves an individual very tired and weak. A person with the flu may not return to normal for several days or even a few weeks.
A flu infection often leads to more serious complications. These complications are often caused by bacteria that get into the lower respiratory tract. The signs of a secondary (follow-up) infection often appear just as the person seems to be recovering from the flu. These signs include a high fever, chills, chest pains, and a cough that produces a thick, yellowish sputum (discharge from the throat). If these symptoms appear, medical treatment should be sought.
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Causes |
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Influenza is caused by the transmission of a flu virus from an infected person to an uninfected person. The virus can be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, sharing of eating and drinking utensils, and direct contact.
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Home Remedies |
Influenza cannot be cured. The usual course of action is to allow the body to heal itself. Various treatments are available to help relieve symptoms, however. For example, a person should get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids. A steam vaporizer can make breathing easier. Painkillers help relieve the aches and pains of the flu. Children should not be given aspirin, however. Aspirin has been shown to cause a rare condition known as Reye's syndrome (see Reye's syndrome entry), which can be fatal.
Flu patients often do not feel hungry. However, they should be encouraged to eat as normally as possible. Patients should not try to return to normal activities too soon. Overactivity can cause a return of the infection or secondary infections.
These are some preventive steps that can be taken:
Take Vitamin C to boost immune system and increase the number of white blood cells
Take Garlic capsules to decrease de growth of the virus.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven home remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Herbal Remedies |
Elderberry prevents infections and shortens duration of flu.
Echinacea (pronounced ek-i-NAY-see-uh) has been recommended to improve a person's immune system. Certain herbs, such as goldenseal and garlic, are thought to be able to kill viruses. A number of herbs can be used to treat the symptoms of influenza. For example, boneset may counteract aches and fever, and yarrow or elder flower may combat chills.
Anise Tea stimulates mucus secretion in lungs & throat.
A tea blend for flu
1/2 oz. Meadowsweet Leaves & Stems
1 oz. Willow Bark
1/2 oz. Rose Hips
1/2 oz. Chamomile Flowers
1-1/3 oz. Linden Flowers
Pour 1 cup of hot water over 1-2 teaspoons of the herb mixture and let it steep for 10 minutes. Drink a cup of this medicinal tea 3 times daily. It will help to reduce fever and to strengthen the immune system.
If you have suggestions or know of a proven herbal remedy add it here in the comment area.
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| Wellness Program |
Vaccines are now available to help prevent influenza infections. The composition of these vaccines is changed every year.
A vaccine is designed to protect people against three specific influenza viruses—the viruses thought to be most likely to infect people in a given year.
Scientists may or may not make good guesses as to the "most likely" flu viruses.
When they are successful, the vaccine can be 70 percent to 90 percent effective in people under the age of sixty-five.
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