Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The flu virus spreads through droplets when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. Symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues. While the flu can be uncomfortable, it is rarely life-threatening. The best prevention is an annual flu vaccine. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms with antivirals, pain medications and rest.

1. FLU

2. What is Flu? Mention the cause &
symptoms of flu
 Influenza, commonly known as the "flu," is an extremely
contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B
viruses. Flu appears most frequently in winter and early
spring.The flu virus attacks the body by spreading
through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract.

3. What is Flu? Mention the cause &
symptoms of flu
 A person can also catch flu by touching an infected
person, for instance, by shaking hands.
 Adults are contagious 1–2 days before getting symptoms
and up to 7 days after becoming ill.This means that you
can spread the influenza virus before you even know you
are infected.
 In this article, we explain the symptoms of flu, how it is
treated, how it differs from a cold, and the best ways to
prevent flu occurring.

4. What is Flu? Mention the cause &
symptoms of flu
Causes
 Flu viruses 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 — such as a telephone or computer
keyboard — and then transfer them to your eyes, nose or
mouth.
 People with the virus are likely contagious from the day or
so before symptoms first appear until about five days after
symptoms begin. Children and people with weakened
immune systems may be contagious for a slightly longer
time.

5. What is Flu? Mention the cause &
symptoms of flu
 Stomach flu is caused by a number of different viruses. It
generally appears following contact with someone who is
already infected or after eating contaminated food or
water. Less often, stomach flu can be caused by bacteria.
 The symptoms of stomach flu and food poisoning are very
similar; although food poisoning is more common.
 One major difference is the duration of illness. Food
poisoning tends to clear up within a couple of days, but
stomach flu can last 10 days.

6. What is Flu? Mention the cause &
symptoms of flu
Symptoms
Flu can be uncomfortable, but it is rarely life-threatening.
Confusing flu with a bad cold is common. Flu and cold
symptoms may both include:
 a runny or blocked nose
 a sore throat
 a cough

7. What is Flu? Mention the cause &
symptoms of flu
To help you tell them apart, below are some symptoms of
flu that are different from a heavy cold:
 high temperature
 cold sweats and shivers
 headache
 aching joints and limbs
 fatigue, feeling exhausted
 There may also be gastrointestinal symptoms, such as
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.These are more common
in children than in adults.
 Normally, symptoms linger for about 1 week. However,
the feeling of tiredness can continue for several weeks.

8. What is Flu? Mention the cause &
symptoms of flu
 Early symptoms of flu
Often, fatigue is one of the earliest signs of flu and
cold.With flu, the fatigue tends to be more extreme.
Other early symptoms can include:
 a cough
 a sore throat
 a fever
 body aches
 chills
 gastrointestinal changes

9. Describe the prevention
strategy of Flu
Prevention
Flu vaccination is the best protection against flu.
In the United States, over 200,000 people spend time in the
hospital with flu complications each year, and about 36,000
people are estimated to die as a result of flu.
It is estimated that, globally, 250,000-500,000 people die each
year as a result of flu.
In industrialized countries, the majority of deaths occur among
people over the age of 65.
A flu epidemic—where a large number of people in one country
are infected—can last several weeks.
Health experts and government agencies throughout the world
say that the single best way to protect oneself from catching
flu is to have a flu vaccination every year.

10. Describe the prevention
strategy of Flu
There are two types of vaccinations:
 the flu shot
 the nasal-spray flu vaccine
A healthcare professional will administer the flu shot with
a needle, usually in the arm. It has approval for anyone
older than 6 months, including healthy people and those
with chronic medical conditions.
The nasal-spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened flu
viruses that do not cause illness.

11. Describe the prevention
strategy of Flu
Seasonal flu shot
A flu vaccine will contain three influenza viruses:
 influenza (H3N2) virus
 influenza (H1N2) virus
 one B virus
As viruses adapt and change, so do those contained within the
vaccines.Their content is based on international surveillance
and scientists' calculations about which virus types and strains
will circulate in a given year.
Protection begins about 2 weeks after receiving the
vaccination.
Seasonal flu vaccinations should start in September or as soon
as the vaccine is on hand, and continue throughout the flu
season, into January, and beyond.This is because the timing
and duration of influenza seasons are never the same.

12. What types of treatment
practiced for Flu?
 Treatment
A virus causes flu, so antibiotics cannot help, unless the flu
has led to another illness caused by bacteria.
 Antivirals
 A doctor may prescribe antivirals, such as oseltamivir
(Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), in some circumstances.
 In addition, in 2018, the United States Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) approved a new drug— baloxavir
marboxil (Xofluza)—for acute uncomplicated influenza, or
flu. People will take the drug by mouth, in a single dose.

13. What types of treatment
practiced for Flu?
People can receive this treatment if they:
 are aged 12 years or over
 have had symptoms for fewer than 48 hours
Possible side effects include diarrhea and bronchitis.
 Pain relief medication
 Pain relievers can alleviate some of the symptoms, such as
a headache and body pains.
 Various painkillers are available . It is important to
compare different products, and only take them under the
advice of a medical professional.
 Some painkillers, such as aspirin, are not suitable for
children under 12 years of age.

14. What types of treatment
practiced for Flu?
Home remedies
Individuals with flu should:
 stay at home
 avoid contact with other people where possible
 keep warm and rest
 consume plenty of liquids
 avoid alcohol
 stop smoking
 eat if possible
It is a good idea for people that live alone to tell a relative,
friend, or neighbor that they have flu and make sure
someone can check in on them.