In the US alone, flu accounts for about 36,000 deaths per year. Almost anyone can contract influenza but the elderly and those with existing chronic illnesses are more prone to getting this disease.

The virus that causes the disease has been categorized into 3: A, B and C. Influenza C causes only a mild respiratory infection with very mild symptoms. However, the A and B type influenza viruses are a lot more severe and require hospitalization and can sometimes lead to an untimely death. Influenza B and A can quickly spread to epidemic proportions.

Influenza B causes the same range of symptoms as influenza A and while not impossible, it is difficult to tell them apart even under an electron microscope. A big difference between the two is that the influenza B virus affects only humans and seals, giving them the disease. Due to this limited host, this virus does not spread as a pandemic, as the A virus does. But even with this advantage, the virus could lay claim to one-third of all the confirmed cases of influenza in the US in 2008. Due to this high incidence of influenza B, the trivalent flu vaccine contains a component that guards against it.

Trying to prevent influenza B is not easy as the virus can live on for weeks on surfaces such as water taps and door knobs. People living with a patient must wash their hands with soap and water each time before they touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid public restrooms and wear face masks in public places if you have to go out often during an epidemic. The daily intake of vitamin C also offers some protection.

After the illness has been contracted, there is no overall medication. Each of the symptoms are managed and the disease allowed to run its course.

Symptoms of Swine Flu
The symptoms of Swine flu are similar to the symptoms found in seasonal flu or allergies. Elderly people, infants, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. Although the symptoms may vary from person to person the most common symptoms include:

• Dehydration
• Severe and persistent vomiting
• Dizziness
• Lack of energy
• Pain in chest or abdomen
• Fever
• Irritable
• Diarrhea
• Body aches
• Head ache
• Sore throat

How is Swine flu Transmitted?
The H1N1 virus is transmitted the same way as a seasonal flu such as through coughing or sneezing. The H1N1 virus is an airborne virus which means when someone is infected and they cough or sneeze, the spray comes in contact with another person, furniture or other items. The virus can also be spread when the infected person coughs or sneezes and touches a something such as a door knob; another person touches the doorknob and then touches their eye, nose or mouth. The virus has the potential to live between two and eight hours in the environment.

How to prevent becoming infected or spreading Swine flu
There are several ways to prevent spreading and becoming infected with the Swine flu. There is currently a vaccine available to protect you against contracting the virus, however, simple hygiene practices will also help protect you from spreading or becoming infected with the virus.
Wash hands thoroughly, especially after sneezing or coughing
Wear a face mask in areas prone to the virus
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
Throw all tissues in the trash after use
Avoid touching mouth, eyes and nose when in public places
If you are sick, do not go into public areas

Treatment for Swine flu
If Swine flu is suspected, the physician will run tests to determine if you are indeed infected with the virus. Treatment should begin immediately after a diagnosis has been made. Antiviral medications are prescribed to improve the immune system, keep the symptoms at bay and to keep the virus from reproducing in the body. The antiviral medications are typically taken for a minimum of five days. There are a few different prescriptions that may be prescribed such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), rimantadine, zanamivir (relenza) or amantadine. You may also be given medications to relieve other symptoms such as an analgesic for the muscle and joint pain. Eating a healthy diet while recovering will help to build the immune system as well as help you keep your strength. Dehydration is a common symptom so you should drink plenty of water while being treated for the virus. Get plenty of rest and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.

What is Influenza?

Influenza usually makes its appearance in the winter. A typical infection lasts between three and five days although the patient can feel fatigued for a couple of weeks after the illness. Typical symptoms are fever (often between 38o and 40oC), muscle and joint aches, chills and shivers, vomiting, chest pains, cough, lack of appetite, a sore throat, a runny nose and headaches. The disease usually goes away without complications, although in rare cases there are severe complications such as pneumonia.

Viral diseases cannot be treated with antibiotics, and with most types of “the flu” it is usually best to rest and drink a lot of fluids. Flu vaccinations are available, and they are usually recommended for elderly people and those who would be in a risk group for getting complications: people with heart problems, people with kidney or liver or lung diseases, diabetics and anyone with an underactive immune system, as well as pregnant women.

What is Influenza A?

Type A is the most common and the most serious influenza virus. Its symptoms are the most acute. It usually appears every two to three years. Type B appears every four or five years and it is less serious than A, but it has similar symptoms. Type C is the least severe and it can resemble a cold. The swine flu that became a global outbreak in 2009 was caused by a type of A virus: H1N1 influenza A.

Influenza spreads through the air from one person to another and the virus infects the nose, the lungs or the throat. It is typical for influenza to become an epidemic that spreads fast from one part of the world to another. People become resistant to an influenza virus in approximately two to four weeks. You cannot usually get the same flu virus twice. However, the virus mutates constantly. Because of these mutations flu vaccinations are not always effective.

Home treatments for influenza A include resting in bed and drinking a lot of fluids especially when you have fever. Over-the-counter medicines can be used to reduce fever, and cough medicines can relieve coughing. If the symptoms do not go away in a week or if they get worse, it is best to talk to your doctor.

Viral gastroenteritis, which is better known as the stomach flu, is a type of infection that affects the stomach and the intestines (not related to influenza). There are two ways that a person can contract this infection. One of the ways that people can contract the stomach flu is by ingesting contaminated food or water. People can also contract this infection by coming in contact with someone who has it.

What are some of the symptoms of this condition?

People will usually notice the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis within a few days of contracting. Those symptoms may include: diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain headache and nausea. Some people with this infection may also have a low-grade fever.

How is the stomach flu treated?

Unfortunately, there is limited medical treatment available for viral gastroenteritis. This condition is classified as a viral infection, which means that it will not respond to antibiotics.

The best way that people can treat this condition is by taking care of themselves at home. Most people with the stomach flu will not be able to keep solid foods down. They should try to eat light foods such as soup and crackers. It is also important to note that certain over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Advil may irritate the stomach and worsen this condition.

Viral gastroenteritis can cause excessive vomiting, which can lead to dehydration. That is why it is important for people to make sure that they consume plenty of fluids. Gatorade and other non-caffeinated sports beverages are excellent drinks of
choice.

Rest can also help a person get over the stomach flu. People should make sure that they avoid doing strenuous activities and get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. When a person starts to feel better, he or she should gradually ease back into eating solid foods.

How can viral gastroenteritis be prevented?

The good news is that most cases of this condition can be prevented. Washing the hands is the simplest and most effective preventive measures that a person can take. People should make sure that they wash their hands front and back in warm water for at least 20 seconds. Those who will be traveling to foreign countries should be very cautious about what they eat. It is wise to avoid consuming raw vegetables and undercooked meat. Additionally, people should also try to avoid coming in close contact with those who are infected.

Bird Flu Symptoms

People who contract the H5N1 virus experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms including fever, headache, sore throat, cough, diarrhea, muscle aches and difficulty breathing. Possible complications of the H5N1 virus are pneumonia, sepsis, severe respiratory distress and organ failure. More than 60 percent of the people who have contracted the flu virus have died after becoming ill.

Steps People Need To Take After Exposure

People who have been exposed to the virus should call their physician or local hospital before making a visit so that they have the opportunity to protect staff and patients from contracting the infection. There are certain medical tests that are used to identify the Bird flu but since the tests are not available at every health care facility it can take a few days before an infected individual receives a proper diagnosis. Doctors often perform a variety of tests to check breathing patterns and the function of major organs including the heart, liver and kidneys.

Best Treatment Options

The Bird flu virus is highly resistant to many common antiviral medications. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can reduce flu symptoms if taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. Zanamivir (Relenza) is another effective antiviral medication when used right away. People who experience severe symptoms require hospital admission and may need to be placed on a breathing apparatus. Individuals with the H5N1 virus are usually isolated during the treatment phase to prevent the spread of the disease. People who share the same home as a person who has the bird flu should also take the Tamiflu medication.

Preventing Infection

People who eat raw or undercooked chicken eggs or meat that comes from an infected bird are at risk of catching the Bird flu virus. Those who handle chickens also have a higher risk of becoming infected with the H5N1 virus. Frequent foreign travelers and health care workers have an increased chance of coming in contact with a person who has the virus. The virus spreads easily and can survive on surfaces for lengthy periods. There is a government approved Avian flu vaccination being stored that can be supplied to the public in the event of a H5N1 pandemic. People should cook chicken or egg products thoroughly and practice safe hygiene methods especially when traveling to foreign locations that have ongoing cases of Avian flu.

Although cold and flu patients exhibit similar symptoms such as headache, sore throat, sneezing, nose congestion, chest discomfort, and coughing; the symptoms are more severe if you have the flu. In addition to these symptoms, you may also experience weakness, fatigue, and muscle pain. High fever can also occur for a number of days.

One way to get rid of flu fast is to increase your fluid intake. If you have the flu, your body tends to lose more water than it usually does; drinking plenty of fluids helps avoid dehydration. Furthermore, fluids, particularly those which are rich in vitamin C (e.g. fruit juices), can boost the immune system. Warm fluids can also help alleviate nasal congestion and sore throat. If you have the flu, make sure to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water, fruit juices, and other healthy beverages each day.

Get plenty of rest. If you have the flu, you will probably feel too tired to get out of beddont fight it. Try to get as much sleep as you can. Lack of sleep can compromise your immune system; if you havent been sleeping well the last few days, it is probably the reason why you caught the flu in the first place. Listen to your body and take a rest for a few days.

Although medications are not usually needed during bouts of flu, there are times that the symptoms bring much discomfort. If this is the case, you can take medications which can relieve some of the symptoms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can be taken to reduce fever and pain. Meanwhile, you can take decongestants to relieve nasal congestion.

Measures on how to treat flu are usually directed towards palliative care. Medications such as antiviral drugs are usually not given unless life-threatening complications are suspected. The flu usually resolves on its own after a few days, just give it a few days and make sure that you get adequate rest and fluids.

There are certain groups that are in higher risk groups than others. Those people in these risk groups often find that the flu conditions are significantly worse. Some of the risk groups that are of concern include people who have health conditions including kidney, lung or heart disease as well as those who have a weakened immune system. In children, the flu can cause diarrhea or even seizures. There are thousands of people that die each year from influenza and more that will spend time in the hospital.

There are two types of vaccine available. The inactivated or killed vaccine of flu shot is the most often used, but an attenuated or weakened vaccine is also available and appropriate in many cases. The killed vaccine is usually given using a hypodermic needle, while the live virus is sprayed into the nostrils. For persons over 65, there is a vaccine available that provides a higher dose than normal.

The types of influenza continue to change, making it important that individuals get a new shot each year. The vaccine is changed annually as scientist attempt to match the vaccine to the varieties of flu that are likely to be present and cause problems. If a new strain of flu develops that is not included in the vaccine, the person is not protected from that variety.

After receiving the flu shot, the body begins to build up immunities against the inactivated flu germs. This process can take a couple of weeks after the initial inoculation. Because of the continual changes in the viruses, protection will last for about one year.

Everyone over six months of age should get a flu shot. It is very important that persons in high risk groups, including health care workers and those who will be around children under six months be vaccinated to prevent passing the disease.

The greatest risk of influenza occurring is between the months of October and May. January and February are the months when most infections occur. In most years, people who have not yet been vaccinated can still benefit from taking a shot even in December.

Some people should not get the inactivated vaccine. People that have allergies to eggs or other components of the vaccine should talk with their doctor about the allergies. In addition, persons who have ever had GBS will need to work with their doctor to determine if they should get the vaccine.

There are risks from the influenza vaccine. While serious reaction or death are possible, the chance of their occurrence is very small. Mild problems such as redness, swelling or soreness at the injection site are more common as are cough, fever, headache, and body aches.

Persons suffering from high fevers or those who have changes in behavior after taking a shot may be experiencing a severe reaction. Sever reactions most often occur within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. If these conditions are present, it is important to seek emergency care immediately.

You family care doctor can provide more information about the flu vaccine. If the doctor believes that there are the benefits from taking a flu shot outweigh any risks he or she will likely recommend that you follow the guidelines of the CDC and get a shot early in the season.

The disease is usually self-limiting and is easily managed but it can become life-threatening for people whose immune systems are compromised or for elderly people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension. The influenza virus has three serotypes – A, B, and C, and thus the disease also has three types of flu – A, B, and C. Each has its own distinctive features from the others and they are classified according to their protein composition.

Type A is the most serious among the three. Its causative virus, the influenza A, is found not only in humans but in animals as well such as pigs, chicken, ducks and even whales. Because it is able to harbor and grow in different hosts, this flu is the easiest to spread and thus, it usually brings cases of epidemic proportions if not managed and controlled promptly.

Type B, on the other hand, causes mild to moderate respiratory symptoms – coughs, sore throat, body weakness, and sometimes fever. As of present time, the causative virus – influenza B – is solely harbored and transferred among humans. Unlike A, B does not trigger an epidemic since its cases usually resolve on their own with proper palliative care. Precaution, however, is advised for immune-compromised patients.

Type C also causes mild infections and symptoms, and it does not spark any epidemic cases unlike type A. Among the types of flu, C is the most easily managed. The symptoms usually resolve in 2 to 3 days without any sort of complication. This can be transferred among humans, and among pigs and dogs as well.

The illness starts typically the same way as a normal cold or flu, but progresses faster and in a more serious form, often becoming life-threatening and even causing death. The first symptoms therefor often include fever, chills, a dry cough, headaches, muscular pains, painful joints, tiredness and a running nose. Additionally diarrhea, nausea and vomiting have been observed and, in rare cases, neurological problems have been developed by the patient.

As a rule of thumb, people that are older than 65 and children younger than 5 suffer more frequently from more severe complications. Also patients that have a preexisting medical condition and / or a disability are at a higher risk. Another high risk group are pregnant women, especially when in the last trimester. All these groups have an overall higher risk of needing hospital treatment. When a patient has a preexisting condition that makes it difficult to breath deeply and cough sufficiently, such as it is the case with asthma and certain neurological condition, his or her risk of suffering from severe complications is also higher.

But also previously healthy people can suffer from this type of complications. If this is the case, the health of the person starts to deteriorate dramatically in the first five days of the illness. This can, in the worst of cases, lead to complete respiratory failure and death. Warning signs of such an acute development of the illness are difficulty to breath, getting out of breath very rapidly, chest pain, feeling light headed or dizzy, being confused, low body temperature instead of the more typical high fever, severe and repeated nausea and vomiting. Additionally, especially in children can be observed: cyanosis (skin and lips appear to be blue), refusing to drink, difficult to wake up, listlessness and unwillingness to be touched due to pain and stress. These type of complications in previously healthy patients is often caused by an excessive response of their immune system to the infection.

Health researchers have found that most people suffer from the flu anywhere from 3 to 10 days. People who have weakened immune systems such as children and older people may suffer from the flu for over two weeks. Additionally, people who allow their flu to go untreated will also be plagued with it for a longer period of time. It is important to note that adults who have the flu may remain contagious for up to five days after their symptoms subside and children who have the flu can remain contagious for about a week.

People who have this illness are miserable because they feel so awful. Having the flu also means that one will have to miss work and school, but fortunately there are some things that a person can do to shorten the time that he or she has the flu. One of those things is getting plenty of rest. Getting the proper rest helps the immune system work more efficiently so that the body can heal faster. Many doctors also recommend that patients stay in the bed as much as possible and avoid doing too much activity.

People also need to make sure that they ingest plenty of fluids. Water and juice are the best drinks to while one has the flu. Drinking plenty of fluids can keep the body from becoming dehydrated and also help shorten the recovery time.