Flu: Important Information About the Influenza Virus

The influenza virus, or flu, affects millions of people each year. Yet, it can be prevented by using a few simple good health habits. This article will tell you how to prevent getting the flu, common flu symptoms, and how long you are contagious once you have been infected.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. In healthy people, it is typically mild to moderate, with no complications. However, in some people, such as the elderly and the very young, complications can occur and lead to more serious illnesses.

The following is a list of common flu symptoms:
  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Tiredness

  • Cough

  • Sore Throat

  • Runny nose

  • Body aches

  • Diarrhea and vomiting (typically in children)


    • The influenza virus may cause complications such as pneumonia and dehydration. If a person is currently suffering from congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes, the influenza virus can worsen the condition.

    Flu is spread from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Occasionally, it is spread by touching something with a virus on it and then touching the mouth or nose.

    If you contract the virus, you may be able to infect others 1 day before getting any symptoms and up to 7 days after the flu has infected you. So, how do you protect yourself? The best way is to get the flu vaccine. But, you should also practice good health habits to prevent infection from any illness.

    Flu Prevention: The following is a list of good health habits you should practice to prevent illness:

  • Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, preferably with a tissue.
  • Wash your hands often with warm water and soap, especially after coughing, sneezing and using the bathroom.
  • Stay away from people who are sick. And, if you are sick, please DO NOT GO TO WORK OR SCHOOL AND INFECT OTHERS!!!
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.


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    Discussion:

    What do you do to protect yourself from getting ill?
    Express your thoughts below in the "What do you think?" section.


    Recommended Reading:
    Editorial Review Excerpt:

    Flu, a fascinating look at the 1918 epidemic that wiped out around 40 million people in less than a year and afflicted more than one of every four Americans. This tragedy, just on the heels of World War I and far more deadly, so traumatized the survivors that few would talk about it afterward. Kolata reports on the scientific investigation of this bizarre outbreak, in particular the attempts to sequence the virus' DNA from tissue samples of victims. She also looks at the social and personal effects of the disease, from improved public health awareness to the loss of productivity.

       By Stacey Lloyd
    Published: 1/4/2005
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