How To Cure Flu

The flu or influenza is a contagious disease. The cause of the disease is the influenza virus, which is spread through sneezing, coughing or other nasal secretions. While the disease may affect anyone, the highest infection rates are found in children and elderly people. For many people, the symptoms of influenza include sore throat, fever or chills, muscle aches, cough, runny nose, headache and fatigue. Many other diseases can cause similar symptoms and can be mistaken for the flu. The flu vaccine can protect both the person who is vaccinated and those around him or her.
Facts about Flu Shots:

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.