Influenza (flu)

Influenza is a viral disease that usually strikes between October and May.

It lasts from three to five days and can be followed by fatigue for two or three weeks. It usually causes aching muscles and joints, headaches, cough and fever with a temperature of between 38o and 40oC.

Although it can become a much more severe illness, leading to pneumonia, nerve and brain damage and even death – such complications are rare.

Because it is a viral infection, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antiviral agents can reduce the severity and duration of infection, but these are generally prescribed only if there are concerns regarding complications of the infection or transmission of more severe strains of the virus. The best remedy is rest while drinking plenty of fluids.

It's possible to get vaccinated against influenza, which is especially advisablhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gife for the elderly and other people who are at increased risk of experiencing complications of flu. These include people with chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver and neurological diseases, people with diabetes, people with HIV infection and those who have an underactive immune system.

In 2009, a pandemic (global outbreak) of swine flu (H1N1 influenza A) was associated with high complication rates in pregnant women and pregnant women are now recommended to have a flu vaccine.


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Influenza (flu)