Influenza

Influenza

Influenza (AKA The Flu) is caused the Influenza Virus.

There are two types of Influenza Viruses, Type A and B. These two are the type spread through people and are responsible for the seasonal flu.

The most common Flu symptoms are…

• High Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Most people who develop the flu have symptoms for up to two weeks but can progress to a stage where they have pneumonia. Other complications of the flu are bronchitis and sinus and ear infections.

5% to 20% of Americans get the Flu each year. About 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications and 36,000 people die from them.

The Flu is spread by person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes.

The winter time is flu season; with February have the most outbreaks over the last 26 years.

Interesting Fact:
The Flu is different from the Common Cold because the Flu is caused by a different virus that causes harsher symptoms.

Helpful Sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm