...FLU...

The Flu

What is flu?

The flu (also called influenza) is an infection that causes fever, cough, body aches, chills, tiredness, headaches, etc. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It usually begins suddenly, with a fever that lasts for a day or two, but can last 5 days. Somewhere between day 2 and day 4 of the illeness the respiratory symptoms begin to increase. The most prominent of the respiratory symtoms is usually a dry cough. Most people also have a sore throat and headache. Runny nose and sneezing are common. These symptoms ordinarily disappear within 4-7 days. Sometimes the fever returns. Cough and tiredness can last for weeks after the ilness is over.

How does the flu spread?

This virus gets arround in little drops from infected person’s mouth and nose when he or she sneezes, cough or even laugh. You can catch the flu from someone who has it if you breathe some of those drops. You can also catch it if those drops get on your hands and you touch your mouth or nose.

Prevention

A yearly influenza vaccine (flu shot) will protect you from getting a bad case of the flu. So, if you get it, you will have only mild symptoms and you should get better pretty quickly.

There are two types of flu vaccines: a flu shot and a nasal spray-type flu vaccine.

What if you get the flu?

If you have the flu, you can take these steps:

· Rest in bed

· Take the medicine

· Drink plenty of liquids, like water, tea, chicken broth, etc.

· Avoid alcohol and tobacco

· etc.

If you do get the flu, now you know what to do!

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