Influenza is perhaps the most common set of viruses. However, “common” does not mean that influenza is not without complications. The influenza virus changes frequently, which is why it is impossible to be vaccinated once and be done. And influenza can be a serious and deadly virus.

Types of Influenza

There are three types of the influenza virus, known as Types A, B, and C. Influenza is a winter disease that strikes up to 20% of the population within any season, averaging 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations. Influenza viruses A and B are the two strains against which individuals are inoculated in the annual flu shot. Influenza C is not included in the flu shot, but this strain, which causes mild respiratory illness, is not epidemic.

The flu is an airborne virus. It can be transmitted from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. The flu virus is also found on surfaces that an infected person has touched or handled. The virus usually passes from the hand to the mouth, which is why washing hands frequently and thoroughly is an effective way to prevent the spread of the flu virus. Because it is an airborne virus, the flu spreads quickly and can create epidemic situations within tight communities. It is likely that if one person in a family, in a classroom, or in a work place has the flu, others will be infected, too.

Symptoms

Flu symptoms are often confused with cold symptoms. Headaches, fever, and fatigue are the calling cards of the flu; people with cold symptoms will typically not have these symptoms, though. Symptoms of the flu usually appear one to four days after the infection. However, a person is contagious from the moment they become infected. Along with the above symptoms, a person infected with the flu virus will often also experience body aches, chills, dry cough, sore throat, and a stuffy nose. The flu does not affect the stomach.

The best prevention of the flu is getting a flu vaccine every fall. Those who suffer from lung problems such as asthma, the elderly, and those who work with the elderly or with large groups of people, or those who have close contact with very young children should be vaccinated each year.

Antiviral drugs are available for severe cases of the flu, but more mild cases can be treated with bed rest, lots of fluids, and an over-the-counter medication to alleviate fever and body aches.