Information On Influenza , Causes Of Influenza , Synonyms of Influenza , Symptoms Of Influenza , Treatment Of Influenza , Diagnosis Of Influenza

INFORMATION ON INFLUENZA

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease that infects birds and mammals and is caused by an RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family. Influenza is a viral infection of the lungs characterized by fever, cough, and severe muscle aches. The most common and characteristic symptoms of influenza in humans are fever, pharyngitis, myalgia, severe headache, coughing, and malaise.

SYNONYMS OF INFLUENZA

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Influenza flu.
2. Influenza virus.
3. Upper respiratory tract infection.
4. Severe acute respiratory syndrome.
5. Orthomyxoviridae.
6. Respiratory syncytial virus.
7. Viral infections.

CAUSES OF INFLUENZA

The flu is caused by three types of viruses:
1. Influenza A Type A is responsible for the deadly influenza pandemics that strike every 10 to 40 years.
2. Influenza B Type B causes smaller, more localized outbreaks.
3. Influenza C Type C is less common and causes only mild symptoms.
The influenza virus is generally passed from person to person by airborne transmission.

SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA

The most characteristic symptoms of influenza are weakness, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, fever, sneezing, and may be a runny nose. Although a person with influenza feels very sick, it rarely leads to more serious complications, except for those at greater risk.

Symptoms of flu are:
1. Fever.
2. Headache.
3. Extreme tiredness.
4. Dry cough.
5. Sore throat.
6. Runny or stuffy nose.
7. Muscle aches.

DIAGNOSIS OF INFLUENZA

Tests are available that can determine if you have the flu as long as you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days after your symptoms begin. A doctor’s examination may be needed. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Diagnosis of the flu is usually based on symptoms, and by knowing that influenza is already striking other people in a given community. Samples of nasal secretions or a throat swab can be sent to a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests can be performed, but they take longer and are more expensive.

TREATMENT OF INFLUENZA

Home Treatment includes:
1. Bed rest.
2. Drink extra fluids at least one full glass of water or juice every hour.
3. Acetaminophen, or Ibuprofen can relieve head and muscle aches. Aspirin should be avoided for children.

You can contact to doctor if:
1. After three days of fever over 102 F.
2. If cough brings up heavy mucus.
3. If there is increasing difficulty in breathing.
4. When a patient seemingly gets better, then gets worse again.