Before you go for the flu treatments check the symptoms of flu. Some of the flu symptoms are exactly the same as cold symptoms. Symptoms like stuffy nose, sore throat and cough are found in a cold as well as the flu. Symptoms which are found only in a flu infected person are:
• High temperature: Usually 100 F-103 F in adults and at times much higher in children
• Shivering and sudden onset of chills
• Severe headache
• Complete Body pain
• Fatigue, weakness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
Symptoms of flu may continue for about a week or two but cough and weakness may persist for a long period.
Flu Virus Characteristics
Flu virus was first identified in 1930s. From that time onwards scientists have started classifying flu viruses into three categories namely Type A, Type B and Type C. These flu viruses are sorted into different categories on the basis of their protein composition.
• Type A or Influenza A virus: This is the most prevalent type of flu that attacks every year. Influenza A virus is further divided into subtypes HA and NA, which is based on the two surface protein structures of the virus. Currently there are about 16 HA and 9 NA known. Recent subtypes of Influenza A viruses found in humans are H1N1 and H3N2.
• Type A or Influenza A flu virus is found in human beings and many different animals like:
Ducks - Chickens - Pigs - Whales - Horses - Seals
Influenza A is the most dangerous in comparison to the other two flu types.
• Type B or Influenza B virus: This type of flu virus mostly revolves around us humans and is less severe than Type A influenza. Both Type A and Type B are responsible for the seasonal epidemic of flu. It can be a serious health hazard but basically most of the cases are mild. Type B is not divided further into subtypes or subcategories.
• Type C or Influenza C virus: This type of flu virus is common and is only found in humans, pigs, and dogs. Type C or Influenza C virus causes mild respiratory infections. People normally don't become extremely ill from influenza type C viruses.
Various flu vaccines and shots are available to protect you from the Type A and Type B viruses. For the Type C flu virus no treatment or shots are available.
Who are at greater risk of getting infected by flu virus?
People with chronic diseases, poor immune systems, elders and small children are at a greater risk for coming in contact with the flu. In a majority of cases flu is mild but unpleasant. If the flu symptoms worsen then it can cause serious complications. Below are those that are most susceptible to severe consequences of the flu and flu complications:
• If you are an elderly person (above 50 years of age)
• If you are a new born baby or a young child
• If you are pregnant
• If you are suffering from heart or cardiovascular disease
• If you are suffering from Asthma or bronchitis
• If you are suffering from kidney disease
• If you are a diabetic
• If you are using steroids
• If you are taking cancer treatment
• If you are anaemic
• If you are a HIV positive
• And last but not the least, if your immune system is poor
Basic tips which you must remember when infected with the flu
When you are infected with the flu, along with flu treatment you must also take extra special care of yours. We all know that flu is caused by a virus, so antibiotics won't help us in recovering from viral infections. If you have a headache, body ache or muscle ache then you can take a painkiller, it may help you get some relief.
Some basic things which should be done when infected with the flu are:
• You must stay at home until and unless you have fully recovered
• Avoid coming in contact with anybody
• Get plenty of rest
• Cover and keep yourself warm
• Drink lots of liquids, like water, chicken broth, and other fluids
• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid Smoking
• Avoid Tobacco
• Eat light food
• Wash your hands at least three times a day
• Use alcohol based hand sanitizer to get rid of germs
• Take a Sauna or hot bath
• Wear the flu mask to prevent yourself from catching flu infection or to prevent spreading the virus to others when you're sick
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