The Influenza Virus by joy rayburn

What is the Influenza Virus?

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:23:53 UTC

The Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

How does a person catch the influenza virus?

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:29:20 UTC

Viruses spread through tiny droplets in the air that are released when a sick person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose. You can get sick if you touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after you have touched something contaminated by the virus, such as a toy, countertop, or doorknob. Viruses can live on those objects for up to 2 days.

Who is at a higher risk for the flu?

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:33:47 UTC

People 65 years and older

Children birth to 5 years old

Pregnant women

People with cancer or other serious illnesses

People with weak immune systems

Symptoms of the influenza virus

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:37:26 UTC

Fever

Malaise

Headache

Runny nose

Sneezing

Reduced sense of smell

Metallic taste in mouth

Chills

Cough

Body pain or muscle pain

Sore throat

How to prevent the influenza virus

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:42:23 UTC

Vaccine/flu shot- A flu vaccine contains three influenza viruses: influenza (H3N2), influenza (H1N2), and one B virus.

Make sure to wash hands regularly with soap and warm water.

Clean surfaces such as keyboard, telephone, and door handles regularly to get rid of the germs.

Use tissues to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Treatment for the influenza virus

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:46:54 UTC

Most of the time flu goes away on its own without treatment. Taking medication can help relieve symptoms . Bed rest will help in faster recovery.

Antivirals: to treat specific viral infections

Antihistamines: it helps to relieve symptoms such as nasal discharge and sneezing

Cough suppressants: to relieve cough, in the form of cough drops or cough syrup.

How to diagnose the influenza virus

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:52:54 UTC

Physical examination: looking for symptoms of the influenza virus

Rapid antigen test: to check the presence of antigen on a swab sample, which is taken from the back of the nose or throat.

How long does it take to recover from the influenza virus?

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:55:36 UTC

Some people who get the influenza virus recover without complications in about one to two weeks. But the flu can be dangerous for young children and people 65 years and older. Some flu-related complications are also life-threatening.

When is flu season?

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 19:58:27 UTC

When you think about the flu virus, you may assume that it only strikes in the winter. While it's true that flu season can peak in the winter, you can get the flu in the fall and spring too. Some people get seasonal flu as early as October, with infections continuing through May.

Is the flu contagious before symptoms show?

joyrayburn03 — 2024-04-15 20:04:08 UTC

The flu is highly contagious partly because it's possible to pass the virus before you become sick. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , you can infect someone with the virus one day before your symptoms start. You're most contagious within the first three to four days of becoming ill, although you may remain contagious for up to five to seven days after you become sick. Its important to avoid close contact with others to prevent passing the illness to another person.