How Well Do You Know the Flu?
Many of us have had the flu at least once in our lives, some much more than others, but not many of us know exactly what the flu is. Here we will discuss the flu, so you can learn why you get it, when you’re most likely to get it and how to tell when it’s not the flu at all, but a case of the common cold.
What is the Flu?
The flu, more scientifically know as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The influenza virus usually enters the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes. When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby. The flu virus will usually be prominent during the fall and winter, the time of year typically known as “flu season.”
How Do You Know It’s the Flu?
While it’s pretty normal to mistake the flu for another ailment such as a cold or just “feeling under the weather,” it’s important to know the difference – because, if it’s the flu, the sooner you can get help from your doctor, the better. Flu symptoms generally appear 1 to 3 days after exposure to the virus. If you’re not sure whether you have the flu, keep the following in mind.
Common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Dry cough
- Runny nose may also occur, but more common in small children
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Ways To Treat and Prevent the Flu
There are five main types of flu treatments or medications that people usually rely on to fight the flu:
- Flu vaccines
- Antivirals
- Antibiotics
- Over-the-counter treatments
- Non-medical alternatives
For more information on the flu, visit www.fluFACTS.com.
For information on the flu and other health and wellness topics, visit www.highbeam.com.
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