Flu And Influenza: Symptoms, Treatment And Types

Influenza, commonly called “the flu”, is a virus that infects the respiratory system. Treatment focuses on preventing sickness and relieving symptoms. Treatments for influenza include a range of medications and therapies that are used in response to disease influenza.

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Treatments may either directly target the influenza virus itself; or instead they may just offer relief to symptoms of the disease, while the body’s own immune system works to recover from infection. There are four main options that might be used as flu treatments vaccines (the flu shot), good hygiene, antibiotics, and over-the-counter medicines.

• Reduces body aches
• Reduces headache
• Reduces fever

Flu treatment, including swine flu treatment, is similar for all flu viruses, as long as the symptoms are mild. Be prepared for in home care , in the event that the health care system is overloaded during a flu pandemic. If you would feel better speaking with a doctor, you can always consult a physician (many are specialists) at doctors advice online. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between five and 20 percent of Americans catch the flu annually.

Exercising Regularly can Help Avoid Seasonal Flu
Simply put, the easiest way to avoid the flu is to take precautionary measures. More specifically, an easy and practical way involves visiting the hospital for your seasonal flu shot. Once daylight savings hits, most individuals are already lacking in sleep and becoming greatly fatigued. More and more people are flocking to the stores to buy Wii Fit, and other such interactive consoles. Some people are even engaging in things like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to brush up on self-defense. Training for such activities requires rigorous workout regimens and long hours at the gym.

Preventing Flu Sickness
Avoiding the flu really comes down to how well you take care of your mind and body. Flu shots are the primary defense method. The American Lung Association also offers an online flu clinic locator. Keep surfaces that collect germs disinfected, such as kitchen and bathroom counters, doorknobs, telephones and toys. Use an alcohol-based disinfectant hand gel or hand wipes if you cannot wash with water.

Cover your mouth whenever you cough or sneeze; if you used your hands, clean them right away. Throw dirty tissues away immediately and wash your hands.Taking care of your health enables you to fight off potential infections: eat a nutritious diet, get the sleep you need, exercise and properly manage stress.

Antivirals for Treating the Flu
These antiviral drugs lessen the severity and length of your infection. Several over-the-counter medications address symptoms if your flu infection gets a toehold. Although antibiotics are not an effective flu treatment, four antiviral drugs have been approved for this use. These drugs fall into categories as either M2-inhibitors (admantane derivatives) or neuraminidase inhibitors. These medicines include:

• Amantadine (Symmetrel)
• Rimantadine (Flumadine)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

When taken within 48 hours after the start of illness, these medicines reduce the duration of fever and other symptoms. These drugs are only available by prescription. Antihistamines can make mucus thick, which can be a problem if you have lung disease such as COPD or asthma. Keep in mind that both decongestants and antihistamines can interact with other drugs you may be taking for conditions such as heart disease, and they may worsen some conditions.

Traditional Flu Remedies
Chicken soup is a time-tested home remedy can help to break up congestion and provides easy-to-digest nutrients to help keep up strength. As important as medication is to treating the flu, listen to your body by getting plenty of rest and liquids. Boiron Oscillococcinum for Flu-like Symptoms Pellets. You can also help getting over the flu by eating chicken soup (which contains vitamins and minerals, and may have oil in it that soothes the throat), abstaining from smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, and gargaling warm, salt water (to relieve throat pain).

Hot soup especially chicken soup, just like Mom says helps stimulate mucous flow that will flush the virus out of your system. Adding spices such as garlic, chili peppers, horseradish and hot sauce can open your sinuses. Additionally, a humidifier may make it easier to breathe. Ask your doctor about which common traditional remedies may provide relief for your specific set of symptoms. While the flu is common, and can be problematic for those in certain risk groups, preventative measures will help you reduce your risk as much as possible.

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The United States authority on disease prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that persons suffering from influenza infections:

• Stay at home
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink a lot of liquids
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol
• Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms
• Consult a physician early on for best possible treatment
• Remain alert for emergency warning signs

When to Call Your Doctor
Flu warning signs are symptoms that indicate that the disease is becoming serious and needs immediate medical attention. These include:

• Your fever does not go away (you may have a more serious infection)
• You have breathing or heart problems or other serious health problems
• You feel sick and don’t seem to be getting better
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• You have a cough that begins to produce phlegm (mucus)
• Dizziness,  Confusion
• You are worried about your health
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• You are taking drugs to fight cancer or other drugs that weaken your body’s natural defenses against illness.

References :

1. American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases (April 2008). “Prevention of influenza: recommendations for influenza immunization of children, 2007-2008“. Pediatrics 121 (4): e101631.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18381500
2. Basta NE, Halloran ME, Matrajt L, Longini IM (December 2008). “Estimating influenza vaccine efficacy from challenge and community-based study data“. Am. J. Epidemiol. 168 (12): 1343–52. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18974084
3. Lynch JP, Walsh EE (April 2007). “Influenza: evolving strategies in treatment and prevention“. Semin Respir Crit Care Med 28 (2): 14458. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17458769
4. Flu.gov: Prevention and treatment; http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/prevention/index.html
5. Centers for Disease Control: Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Basics; http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/?