General Medical Conditions Paper- Influenza(Flu)

The flu virus travel through the air in droplets when someone with the infection coughs, sneezes or talks. You can inhale the droplets directly, or you can pick up the germs from an object and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or mouth. People with the virus are likely contagious from the day before symptoms first appear until five to 10 days after symptoms begin. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer time.

Influenza viruses are constantly changing, with new strains appearing regularly. If you've had influenza in the past, your body has already made antibodies to fight that particular strain of the virus. If future influenza viruses are similar to those you've encountered before, either by having the disease or by vaccination, those antibodies may prevent infection or lessen its severity.

Sign and symptoms of influenza include: fever, chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The evaluation of influenza begins with a medical history and physical examination. Physical findings in someone with influenza may include: fever, lung congestion, rapid breathing rate, rapid pulse, rash, swollen glands in the neck, and throat redness. Tests that may be used to evaluate influenza include: chest x-ray, complete blood count. Rapid flu tests include: mucus collected from the nose or throat.

Bed rest and plenty of fluids are usually used to treat the flu. But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. If taken soon after you notice symptoms, these drugs may shorten your illness by a day or so and help prevent serious complications.

Most people will recover completely in about one to two weeks if treated, but if not treated others will develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia. Influenza can be deadly, especially for the young and old, or...