AN INTRODUCTION TO
INFLUENZA
What Is the Flu?
Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory viral infection. Influenza has
caused deadly pandemics and debilitating epidemics since ancient times. In
fact, historians believe that Hippocrates may have recorded the first account
of influenza in 412 B.C. when he described a respiratory disease that lasted a
few weeks, killed many, and then disappeared.
First identified in 1933, the virus that causes influenza is classified into
several types. Even though you feel the flu over your entire body, the flu
virus lives primarily in the lungs. Influenza spreads easily from person to
person. When an infected person sneezes and coughs, someone else may breathe in
the airborne droplets of fluids containing the flu virus. Flu viruses can also
enter the body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. When the virus attacks a
healthy cell, the body’s immune cells produce antibodies to fight the
invading virus or infection.
If you've ever experienced the flu, you know how miserable it can make you
feel.
A pandemic is an epidemic of worldwide scope occurring about every 30 years.
An epidemic is an outbreak confined to a city or country.
What Are the symptoms of Influenza?
Influenza causes high fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and body aches,
which usually last about a week. However, you may experience cough and fatigue
for several weeks.
How is influenza treated?
Vaccination is the single most effective means in preventing illness due to
influenza -- but it is not 100% effective. Vaccination works best in healthy
adults when the vaccine and the current strain of influenza are closely
matched. Among nursing home residents, vaccination is most useful in preventing
severe illness, complications, and death due to influenza. A high rate of
vaccination among nursing home residents and healthcare workers can reduce the
spread and impact of influenza among residents. Despite vaccine availability,
many people don't get annual flu shots.
Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics, which are used to fight
bacteria, won't work. However, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for people who
may be at risk for further complications due to the flu, such as pneumonia.
Only your doctor will know how to best treat you.
There are treatments available for the flu but they must be started early in
the illness. Talk to your doctor immediately the next time you think you may
have symptoms of the flu. In addition to specific treatments for the flu, there
are some things you can do to make yourself more comfortable if you have the
flu. They are:
- Bed rest
- Plenty of liquids
- Medications to control fevers and muscle aches
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