Influenza, also known as the flu, as defined by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)-“is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses". However the seriousness of this disease is much to be reckoned with. Its strength is deadly if not treated properly. On average 36,000 people die every year from the influenza. Knowing the symptoms is a key step in treating the illness and makes a difference between life and death for 5-20% of the American population. And less we forget that the flu does not stop within the American borders. Different viral strands can be found worldwide. The disease is highly contagious.



Symptoms include:

• fever (usually high)

• headache

• extreme tiredness

• dry cough

• sore throat

• runny or stuffy nose

• muscle aches

• stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults

Need to know treatment for the flu:

1. For achiness, fever, or headache take some aspirin or acetaminophen.

2. Drink 8 ounces of fluids every 2 hours to prevent

dehydration from fever. Dilute apple juice or flat ginger ale with water. Avoid citrus juices if you feel nauseated: milk if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.

3. Don’t starve a fever. Eat small, bland meals-cottage cheese, yogurt, applesauce, bananas, dry toast, baked or boiled potatoes. Don’t worry if you’re not hungry for 3 or 4 days, but when your appetite returns, eat a high-protein, high calorie diet rich in vitamins B and C.

4. If you have a sore throat, drink hot liquids, gargle with salt water, and chew cloves.

5. For a runny nose, sip hot tea with a bit of honey and take a decongestant if you wish.

6. For a dry cough, use a humidifier and suck on cough drops or hard candy.

7. Stay in bed-or at the very least reduce physical activity-as long as you can (at least until your temperature returns to normal); resuming your regular activities too soon will encourage a relapse. Rest greatly increases your body’s ability to fight off the infection.

8. Don’t drive; flu symptoms impairs reaction time almost six times as much as moderate alcohol intake.

9. If you’re over 65; if you have a chronic disease; if you feel especially ill or the fever lasts more than 4 days; or if your fever is accompanied by a stiff neck, severe headaches, irritability, and confusion. See a doctor.

10. Flu shots or nasal-spray vaccines also help. flu shots contain a non-living flu virus. The nasal-sprays are made of a weakened, live virus.

This website provides a detail map of the spread of the different types of potentially deadly flu strands such as the avian flu otherwise known as the bird flu:

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

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