Flu, also known as influenza, is a contagious respiratory infection affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. It's caused by influenza viruses, distinct from the viruses causing "stomach flu" (which involve diarrhea and vomiting). Most people recover without specific medical treatment.
Understanding Influenza
Influenza is a highly contagious illness spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can then be inhaled by others, leading to infection. The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html) provides comprehensive information on the virus and its impact.
Symptoms of the Flu
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue (feeling very tired)
While a sore throat and runny/stuffy nose are common, they can also occur with other illnesses (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719). The severity of symptoms can vary significantly between individuals.
Types of Influenza Viruses
There are several types of influenza viruses, including influenza A, B, and C. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal epidemics in humans (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza), while influenza C generally causes milder infections, primarily in children.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention often involves vaccination (flu shot), good hygiene practices (handwashing), and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Treatment options focus on managing symptoms and may include antiviral medications in severe cases. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (https://www.cms.gov/flu-provider) provides information on flu shot eligibility. More information on prevention, symptoms, and treatment is available from the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.html) and other reliable sources like the Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719) and Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu).
