Blog 10: Influenza Virus

How well do you know influenza? We have some ideas and even have had the flu a few times or have known somebody who has had the flu. This article states that “the influenza virus is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. This virus can quickly turn into pneumonia, which affects the lungs, encephalitis (infection of the brain), and bronchitis (http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/the-flu/overview.html).” There are vaccines to help keep the flu virus from having such a devastating effect once you catch the flu.
There are two types of influenza A and B. “Influenza A usually arrives between early winter and early spring. Influenza B can appear at any time of the year (http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/the-flu/overview.html).”

This article also states that Influenza is usually airborne (droplets): sneezing, or coughing from someone who has the influenza virus. Even by using a telephone, can spread the influenza virus. We have all heard the saying, “wash your hands before and after any contact”. This saying is true. Hand washing is one of the best defenses against viruses and germs. By not washing your hands, you can by accident, transfer the influenza virus, or any virus, to others and yourself, through handshake or just by touching any of the mucus membranes, like your eyes, nose, and mouth (http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/the-flu/overview.html). It takes a few days for the flu symptoms to start showing. “The influenza virus symptoms are almost similar to a cold; fever, body aches, chills, light-headedness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and lack of energy. The flu can make asthma, breathing problems, and other long-term illnesses worse (http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/the-flu/overview.html).”

To prevent catching the influenza virus, “avoid sharing food, utensils, cups, or bottles. Cover your cough with a tissue and throw away after use. Carry hand sanitizer with you. Use it often during the day and always after touching your face. Cough into your sleeve if a tissue is not available (http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/the-flu/overview.html).”

 

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/the-flu/overview.html

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6036a2.html