The flu, also known as Influenza, is an infectious disease contracted by birds and mammals, caused by the RNA virus. Common symptoms include weakness, severe headaches, coughing, sore throat, fever, muscle pains, and general weakness. In some cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, especially in young children and the elderly. Flu “season” typically lasts in the US from early November to late March.
The flu is typically transmitted by other humans, or mammals, through the air via sneezes and coughs. It can also be contracted from bird dropping, saliva, nasal secretions, and blood. Regardless of the means, the virus can remain infectious for up to one week on most surfaces such as clothes, pillows, ect. Simple household cleaners and detergents are more than sufficient to eliminate the virus.
Vaccinations are available in most places around the world, for a relatively low cost. Many insurance companies will pay for them completely, however without insurance, prices typically float around the $20 - $30 USD margin. The most common of these vaccinations is trivalent influenza vaccine, which contains purified and inactive traces of the virus from three different strains. The idea is to inject a harmless strain of the virus into you, allowing your body to build up the proper antibodies, without you having to suffer any serious symptoms.
Although it is highly recommended for children and the elderly, vaccination is not required for the average healthy adult. Good personal hygiene and health habits are plenty to ward off contracting the flu. However those with particularly weak immune systems may want to look into a multivitamin with extra Vitamin C, and take it daily during flu season. Also, when going into constricted areas with a lot of people (such as an airplane), there is an over-the-counter supplement called ‘Airborne’ which can reduce the risk of contracting the flu.
Unfortunately, if someone is infected with the flu, it can be quite serious, and in some cases fatal. If symptoms are becoming unbearable, a trip to the hospitable will not hurt. In most cases however, getting plenty of rest, and drinking a lot of water is more than enough to recover. Aspirin is not advisable for children and teenagers, as it can lead to Reye’s syndrome (a liver disease), which can also be potentially fatal. If you go see a doctor, he or she may prescribe M2 or Neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine, or ramantadine, which will help with the healing process.
With the right precautions, and correct treatments, the flu is nothing to worry about. As always if you have any further questions, or would like to see a section added to this article, feel free to write to us at support@healthylifejournal.org
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