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Influenza: What causes the flu?

You’re well aware that it’s all too easy to contract the flu.

You can acquire this viral infection either through direct or indirect contact in a myriad of ways.

If you’re near someone who sneezes, you have the chance of catching it from him. If your co-worker coughs too close to you, you may develop it.

Another excellent way of coming down with the flu is to use a drinking glass which has been previously used by an infected individual.

Once the virus infects your body, it invades the lining of your respiratory tract. This causes inflammation and many of the symptoms we’ve come to dread.

The virus is especially frustrating to the medical community because of its elusive ability to change its unique form yearly. This means that every year each of us is once again at the mercy of a new viral strain. And this means that even if you had the flu the year before, you have to start at square one in protecting yourself from the new strain. Your body has no immune resistance to this updated version of the virus.

If you do acquire it from someone else, don’t think you’ll know within hours. However, if you were unlucky enough to catch it you’ll know within a day. The influenza viral lurks in your body for a full 24 hours before surfacing. If you were near an infected person who sneezed at 3 p.m. Monday at work, you’ll know by 3 p.m. Tuesday if you’re infected as a result of that encounter. If you haven’t come down with any symptoms by then, it means you didn’t catch the flu – this time! You still need to take precautions to keep yourself free of the infection.

Your first indication that the flu has a good hold of you is the sudden onset of chills. This will undoubtedly be followed by a fever typically rising to 101 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll also experience a headache, a general malaise or lethargic feeling, as well as muscle aches and weakness, particularly in your arms, legs and back.

Other symptoms of the flu include coughing, sometimes accompanied by laryngitis or hoarseness, running nose and watery eyes.

The majority of these symptoms subside after three to five days. You may discover, though, that your cough and your weakness persist a little longer. This is normal and unless it is extremely bothersome, no real cause to worry.

If your fever lasts longer than five days, though, you should consult your health care practitioner. This continue presence of this stubborn symptom could indicate that you’ve developeda health complication as a residual reaction to the flu. Your body may even be trying to tell you that you have pneumonia.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

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