Ailments and Situations - Influenza or Flu

 

(also referred to as ...)

Flu

 
Description

The flu, as it is commonly known, is a viral infection transmitted from person to person via droplets in the air that are expelled by infected persons while coughing or sneezing. It affects the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tracts and sometimes the lungs.

Influenza infection often occurs in pandemics. Two of the most famous cases occurred in 1918, i.e., the "Spanish Flu", and 1957, i.e., the "Asian Flu". Once a strain of the flu passes through a population, most of the people become immune to that particular strain. Thus, a similar strain of virus will not cause an epidemic in that particular population for approximately three years. Within that time, the virus can mutate and go on to cause minor epidemics. Once it mutates enough so it is no longer recognized by the body's immune system, another epidemic ensues. If a particularly virulent strain arises, it can cause a pandemic. These pandemics seem to occur every 10 to 40 years.

 

Symptoms and Signs:

These include a fever (39 to 40^oC) for three to seven days. It is often accompanied by a general achy feeling all over the body which can last several weeks. You may have a cough and/or a runny nose. Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms. You may also experience chills, fatigue, and a headache.

 

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