Common Flu

Flu, scientifically termed as influenza, is caused by influenza viruses and is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Influenza A usually arrives between early winter and early spring. Influenza B can appear at any time of the year. Those viruses take effect through mucus membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes. It is often transmitted by the person with the flu coughs or sneezes resulting airborne and can be inhaled by any person nearby. One can also get the flu by touching contaminated surfaces like telephone or door knob and then touching self nose or mouth. That has risk of infection in highly populated areas like schools, buses and crowded urban palces.

The flu virus is usually more active from October through May, the time of year typically known as "flu season."

Symptoms

• Body aches
• Chills
• Dizziness
• Flushed face
• Headache
• Lack of energy
• Nausea and vomiting

During early days, the fever and "whole body" symptoms begin to fade. Then breathing symptoms begin to increase. The symptom is usually not a dry cough. Most people also develop a sore throat and headache. Runny nose and sneezing are common. It is a clear, watery nasal discharge. These symptoms (except the cough) usually go away in 4 - 7 days. Sometimes, the fever returns. The cough and feeling tired may last for weeks. Some people may lose appetite.

Description

The flu or grippe is cause by a virus named "Influenza" that infects the upper respiratory tract. There are two types, Type A and Type B. Flu infect the throat, nose, lungs bronchial tubes, and middle ear.  There are vaccines for flu, however, due to many viruses along with the constant mutating make it difficult to prevent completely.

Popular treatment and recommendation

• Treat yourself accordingly as soon as you see symptoms. Good bed rest can be essential to converse energy and combat the flu infection.
• Try to take fresh air by being active to against the virus.
• Take Vitamin C to boost immune system and increase the number of white blood cells.
• The viruses can be active in the toothbrush bristles and may reinfect day after day. Therefore, try to replace the toothbrush three days after the onset of flu and use new one, or clean thoroughly your brush to minimise the risk.
• Take garlic capsules or eat a lot of garlic to decrease growth of the virus.
• At the first sign of the flu, switch to a bland diet. Eat soft-cooked rice (rice that has a very soft, moist texture created by a longer cooking time with more water) with a pinch of cumin, ginger powder and turmeric for seasoning.
• Make a beverage mixing 1 tablespoon bayberry bark, 1 tablespoon grated ginger root, ½ tablespoon cayenne powder and 1 cup of boiling water. Keep for a few time then take it making your suitable time.

Prevention

Be clean and tidy, eat and drink hygienic foods.

Regular exercise also helps your imune system.

Keeping a safe distance from infected people may also decrease the chances of being infected.

References

• http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/the-flu/overview.html
• http://www.medicinenet.com/influenza/article.htm