Health News
Flu
Flu Information
Influenza, also called 'the flu', is a respiratory illness that is spread through the influenza viruses. The flu may be very contagious, so practicing good hygiene is important for individuals who are exposed to others infected with the flu. Preventing the spread of the virus is also helpful, and those infected can incorporate minor activities into their daily routine which help to prevent spreading the virus.
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The virus may be spread in respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus may enter the body through the mouth, nose or eyes. It may be possible to catch the virus by touching something with the influenza virus on it, and then touching the mouth, nose or eyes. The best way to protect against the flu may be to get a flu shot each year. The flu shot injects people with a killed virus so antibodies against the illness may form.
Another vaccine that may be available is the nasal-spray flu vaccine. This vaccine is made with weakened versions of the virus. Again, the intention is for antibodies to form, strengthening the body's ability to fight the virus.
A person may be contagious a full day before they present signs of flu symptoms and five days after symptoms disappear. Common symptoms of the flu include high fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may not mean that a person has the flu, as other illnesses, such as the common cold, may cause similar symptoms.
Antiviral medications may be used to treat the flu, but there may be certain home remedies that may prove effective in relieving symptoms. Patients diagnosed with the flu may be advised to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Over-the-counter medications may also be recommended to relieve fever and muscle aches, but a health care professional should be consulted before self-medicating. Seeking the care of a health care professional upon the first sign of symptoms may help to diagnose the flu early and may allow for a more effective treatment.
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Another vaccine that may be available is the nasal-spray flu vaccine. This vaccine is made with weakened versions of the virus. Again, the intention is for antibodies to form, strengthening the body's ability to fight the virus.
A person may be contagious a full day before they present signs of flu symptoms and five days after symptoms disappear. Common symptoms of the flu include high fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, runny nose, stuffy nose, body aches, diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may not mean that a person has the flu, as other illnesses, such as the common cold, may cause similar symptoms.
Antiviral medications may be used to treat the flu, but there may be certain home remedies that may prove effective in relieving symptoms. Patients diagnosed with the flu may be advised to get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Over-the-counter medications may also be recommended to relieve fever and muscle aches, but a health care professional should be consulted before self-medicating. Seeking the care of a health care professional upon the first sign of symptoms may help to diagnose the flu early and may allow for a more effective treatment.
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