A number of other viruses cause respiratory illness similar to the common cold, but are much more severe in intensity and with frequently serious, and even fatal complications. The best known member of the group is the influenza (flu) virus. It can cause mild symptoms that are indistinguishable from those of the common cold, but in the more recognizable form, it is ushered in by fever, cough and what doctors refer to as malaise – chills, muscle ache and fatigue.
The symptoms of influenza appear quickly: they develop within hours and generally last in severe form from four to seven days. The disease gradually recedes over the following week. The severity of the local respiratory and generalized symptoms usually forces the influenza patient to stay in bed.
Not only is the individual case often severe, but an outbreak of influenza can easily spread to epidemic proportions groups, closing factories, schools, and hospitals in its wake.
Flu Shots – inoculation is fairly effective in preventing influenza, but it not long lasting and has to be renewed each year. Unfortunately, there are several different types of influenza virus and is slightly different vaccine is needed to provide immunity to each type of infection.
Treatment – Once acquired, there is no cure for influenza, but the body defenses are usually capable of destroying the virus if given the necessary time and if the defenses are not depresses by other illness. Fluids, aspirin, and bed rest help relieve the symptoms. Special attention should be paid to sudden worsening of fever after seeming recovery, or the onset of sputum production. In elderly people more intensive medical care is often necessary, including hospitalization for the same.
The symptoms of influenza appear quickly: they develop within hours and generally last in severe form from four to seven days. The disease gradually recedes over the following week. The severity of the local respiratory and generalized symptoms usually forces the influenza patient to stay in bed.
Not only is the individual case often severe, but an outbreak of influenza can easily spread to epidemic proportions groups, closing factories, schools, and hospitals in its wake.
Flu Shots – inoculation is fairly effective in preventing influenza, but it not long lasting and has to be renewed each year. Unfortunately, there are several different types of influenza virus and is slightly different vaccine is needed to provide immunity to each type of infection.
Treatment – Once acquired, there is no cure for influenza, but the body defenses are usually capable of destroying the virus if given the necessary time and if the defenses are not depresses by other illness. Fluids, aspirin, and bed rest help relieve the symptoms. Special attention should be paid to sudden worsening of fever after seeming recovery, or the onset of sputum production. In elderly people more intensive medical care is often necessary, including hospitalization for the same.
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