What is influenza?
Influenza, often called the “flu”, is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by the influenza virus.
Influenza is also a risk of other injuries. These include viral or bacterial pneumonia and an infection of the lungs. Greater risk of complications for the elderly and older than 65 years, and very young children of people have lung or heart diseases, some chronic health problems or weakened immune system.
In Canada, it is estimated that up to 7000 people die of influenza and its complications each year.
Influenza Virus
How can prevent the flu?
You can reduce the risk of contracting influenza, or the proliferation of other, by washing hands regularly, in addition to eating and exercise, and receive influenza vaccine.
Influensavaccin, also known as the flu shot one can help you in preventing the proliferation of patients with flu or to others. In British Columbia, and vaccines are available in October or early November. It is best to reach an influenza vaccine at the end of November to give the body enough time - in two weeks - to build immunity before the flu season begins. But can provide protection for vaccine if at any time during the season.
How is flu spread?
Influenza spreads easily from person to person through breathing, coughing and sneezing. As the virus can be spread person to take drops of sneezing or coughing on another person or an object, thus affecting his own mouth or nose before wash their hands.
Adults can spread the virus from about one day before to five days after symptoms start. Children can spread the virus up to 21 days after symptoms start.
What are the symptoms?
Influenza symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, cough and extreme fatigue. Despite the cold and other viruses can cause similar symptoms, which, given the influenza virus has a tendency to be getting worse.
Symptoms can begin on a four-day, or an average of two days after a person is first exposed to influenza virus. Fever and other symptoms can usually last from 7 to 10 days, with cough and weakness, which will last for a period of up to two weeks.
Home treatment
If you become ill with bird flu or home treatment can help alleviate symptoms. Home treatment may include:
* Access to a lot of rest. Lie on the bed will also help you avoid the spread of the virus to others.
* Drink additional fluids to replace those disappeared from fever.
* Avoid smoking and inhaling the smoke of others.
* Breathe moist air from the hot shower or sink full of hot water for approval of a stuffy nose.
* Anti-flu drugs or anti-retroviral drugs through prescription available, but they must start early.
They want to reduce symptoms for 3 days if given within 12 hours, or about 1.5 within days if 2 days after symptoms start. OTC drugs can help to relieve symptoms such as fever and pain. This is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Avian recipes and remedies are also available in the pharmacy.
When should I see a doctor?
If you do not feel better to start within a few days or if the symptoms worsen, and we must be able to see the doctor. Contact a doctor if you are sick, and you have health problems following:
* Heart or pulmonary diseases;
* Chronic health concerns that require regular medical care;
* A weakness in the immune system due to illness or medical treatment, or
* Frail or at risk of serious illness or complications.