Influenza Virus Disease: All About Symptoms, Treatment and Effective Prevention! Etoosindia

Influenza Virus, commonly known as flu, is a respiratory problem that occurs because of a virus. There are three types of flu viruses – Influenza A, Influenza B and Influenza C. Types A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics every winter. The places hit adversely by these viruses are United States and Europe. Type C virus causes mild respiratory problem. It does not cause any epidemic.

A person suffering from Influenza virus has sore throat, cough and sneezing problem. This medical condition is highly contagious. You can incur this problem if an infected person sitting next to you coughs or sneezes. You may even catch this virus by shaking hands with an infected person.

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A person can spread this virus 1-2 days before showing any symptoms and up to 7 days after getting ill. The condition may last from few days to few weeks. People often mistake Influenza with common cold but in reality it is quite different from the later. Although none of these is life threatening and can be cured with prescribed medication. Here is a detailed look at the signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention of influenza virus which is a common illness these days.

Influenza Virus Symptoms

Influenza virus may cause sore throat, blocked or running nose and cough. However, these symptoms also develop when you catch the common cold. Here are few signs and symptoms to help distinguish influenza virus from common cold. Those suffering from influenza virus are likely to experience some of these symptoms:

Shivers and cold sweats
High temperature
Headache
Tiredness
Joint Pain
Vomiting and Nausea
Diarrhea

However, not everyone who has flu suffers from fever. Fatigue and weakness may prevail even days or weeks after the patient has cured.

Influenza Virus Treatment

Antibiotics do not help in curing this problem. Antivirals are prescribed to treat Influenza virus. Once the problem is diagnosed, you must take good care of yourself in addition to having the prescribed medicines. Here is what the doctors suggest:

Avoid going out and indulging in any rigorous task. Stay at home and take proper rest.
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Have plentiful liquids
Eat healthy
Since this is a contagious disease, avoid contact with other people.

Prevention – Influenza Virus

The best way to safeguard oneself against Influenza virus is by getting the vaccination done. The affect of the vaccination lasts for a year. So, it is suggested to get yourself and your family members vaccinated every year.

There are two kinds of Influenza vaccinations – the flu shot vaccine and the nasal spray flu vaccine. The flu shot is safe for anyone older than 6 months. It is apt for healthy people as well as ones with chronic medical conditions. Nasal spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened flu viruses. It does not cause illness.