Influenza

It is commonly called the flu. It is a viral disease and is highly contagious. There are there types of influenza virus: Type A is deadly and causes the larger outbreaks, the Type B and C are not very popular and may cause restricted outbreaks. Flu is different than common cold.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms take four days to show up after infection (incubation time).
• Fever
• Cough
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weakness

Normal duration:

Generally 7-14 days.

Prevention:

• A lot of rest
• Intake of lot of fluids
• Personal hygiene
• Washing of hands
• A flu shot - a kind of immunization developed against most common types of viruses. This helps but is not always effective.
• Often antiviral medicines can be helpful

Note:

• It is highly contagious.
• Has been the cause of massive deaths in many epidemics

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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