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Introduction

Flu is a very common disease worldwide, and millions of people get the flu each year. It is a modern plague of humanity. Flu, for which the medical term is influenza, is an infection of the respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs. The flu occurs most frequently in the period late fall to early spring, usually in limited outbreaks. You can take steps to reduce the chance of getting the flu through the preventative measures in this article. If you should catch the flu, it is important to be prepared to cope with it.

Where does flu come from? How do we catch it?

Flu spreads from person-to-person when someone with the flu virus talks, coughs, or sneezes and spreads droplets containing the virus, or when a person contacts objects that are contaminated with the flu virus. When you touch a surface, such as a virus- contaminated faucet handle, door handle, or phone, and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you can transfer the virus to your body. It is clear then that the flu spreads easily, and that is the reason it often strikes many members of a community all at once.

The flu is caused by the influenza virus of a strain that affects both mammals and birds. The virus mutates frequently, thus, there are many different strains of the virus, and new ones must be dealt with almost every year. That is why the flu vaccine must be changed every year, and the reason people continue to get the flu year-after-year. The virus is persistent, and transmission because of lack of proper hygienic practice is a very real threat.

Who is most susceptible to the flu?

The most susceptible people for getting the flu are young children, because they have not been exposed to the viruses before, and those with weak immune systems such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases. One of the serious life-threatening consequences of flu is that those with very weak immune systems can develop pneumonia, which can cause death.

What are the symptoms of the flu? How long does it last?

The most common symptoms of the flu are fever, sore throat, and cough. Additional effects of the disease are chills, muscle pain, severe headache,and physical exhaustion. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. These symptoms may last from 2-7 days. A person who has the flu will most likely not be able to do usual daily activities. Complete recovery from flu will take one to two weeks.

How can you reduce your chance of getting the flu or spreading it?

You can undertake a proactive effort to greatly reduce your change of getting the flu, and if you do get it, the effort should help reduce its debilitating effect. Here are the main things you can do.

1. Maintain a healthy body and immune system by-

• Get plenty of sleep and rest— 7-8 hours are recommended.
• Get your physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, which will build immunity and help reduce stress.
• Take action to manage stress in your life. Changing your attitude toward yourself and your situations will often help. Prayer, meditation, and contemplative physical activities (for example, Yoga) along with exercise can help.
• Eat a healthy diet, including plenty of vegetable and fruits.
• A typical, healthy adult needs eight 8-ounce (2 quarts) glasses of fluids each day, so drink enough water and other fluids.
• Supplement the diet with as recommended by your doctor, but many persons include a multi-vitamin and mineral complex and other vitamins such as vitamins C, D, and E.

2. Get your flu shot.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. While there are many strains of the flu virus, the usual flu vaccine protects against three selected strains expected to be most common for the upcoming season.

3. Use preventive hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.

When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Properly dispose of the tissue after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after touching possibly contaminated surfaces. An alternative is an alcohol-based hand rub, which is now provided in many public places. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and avoid close contact with persons exhibiting flu-like symptoms. In your home and workplace make sure that frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, are frequently cleaned to remove any contamination. Also, make sure your workplace or your children’s school has an adequate supply of tissues, soap, paper towels, alcohol-based hand rubs, and disposable wipes, as appropriate.

What to do if you get the flu?

• Stay in bed, and get plenty of rest and sleep.
• Drink plenty of fluids, including sports drinks to replace electrolytes.
• Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, considering especially Tylenol or aspirin for aches and fever, cough syrup, and decongestants.
• Stay at home, minimizing exposure to others until 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

If you get the flu, prescription antiviral medications can be used to treat your illness. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder, shorten the period of illness, and may prevent serious flu complications. These drugs are not like antibiotics in that, while they reduce the effects of flu, they cannot cure the disease. To be effective, the antiviral drugs must be used early in the onset of the flu, within the first 2 days of symptoms. Persons that are prime candidates for the use of antiviral drugs are pregnant women, young children, people 65 and older, and people with lowered immune systems or with certain diseases, all of whom have increased risk from the consequences of flu.

Conclusion

We are all susceptible to getting the flu. With careful planning and following recommendations, you can reduce your chance of getting the flu and reduce the effects, even if you do get it. Follow the recommendations as summarized in this article, and you should be a least a step ahead of the flu. And, you may also help reduce the magnitude or effects of any flu outbreaks.