Posts Tagged ‘Virus’
The Flu: What to know and How to Avoid It
February 1st, 2009 Posted 11:06 am
The flu or the Influenza is an infectious disease caused by strains of the influenza virus. The virus infects the respiratory system mainly the nose, throat and lungs. The infection causes fever, chills, coughs, runny nose, sore throat, headache, weakness, and muscle pains. Influenza can be deadly for people who are weak and those with chronic diseases. It is a serious health risk because it can worsen coronary heart disease, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
The flu is transmitted when a person either ingest or inhale respiratory or bodily liquids that contain the virus. The most common is the dispersal in air of respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes of persons infected with the virus. The respiratory droplets are then inhaled by another person through the nose or mouth. Transfer of the virus can also be from touching surfaces where respiratory droplets are and then touching the nose or mouth. The occurrence of flu usually peaks during the winter season. The reason for this may be because the virus can survive longer in colder temperatures. Also aerosol dispersal is more effective when temperatures and humidity is low, which usually happens in winter.
The average time between exposure to the virus ’til the symptoms manifest is about two days with limits of one to four days. The period when a person with Influenza is contagious is typically a day before symptoms manifest and five days after symptoms first manifested. However, for some who has a weakened immunity the period they are contagious can last longer than a week.
Every year, the strain of virus that spreads in the peak seasons may be different from the year before. That is why flu vaccination is advised to be taken every year. The vaccine distributed every year is different depending on the stain of the virus that might prevail that season. So, there is still a possibility that you may get infected by another strain not covered by the vaccine.
Having a healthy lifestyle also decreases the chance of a person being infected. Promoting a healthy and strong immune system through proper diet and exercise is always the best way to fight of diseases.