The flu, common flu or influenza is a disease caused by viruses that causes inflammation in the respiratory system. The scientific name for the flu virus is Myxovirus influenzae .
It is the most common respiratory disease in humans, which annually affects a large part of the world population.
However, influenza can also affect other species, such as birds and mammals. If left untreated, in the worst case, it can lead to death.
According to the Ministry of Health, about 2 thousand people die each year from common flu. Note that due to the low temperature, the flu usually occurs more in winter.
Causes of Flu
Flu is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. That is, a person who has the virus can transmit the disease through direct contact, or even by sharing objects.
This virus circulates in the bloodstream and, in a short time, you can feel its symptoms.
Flu Symptoms
The main symptoms associated with influenza are:
- High fever (more than 38ยบ)
- Cough
- Coryza
- Nasal congestion
- Body aches (head, muscles, etc.)
- Sore throat
- Tiredness
- Chills
Flu Treatment
If the flu is not treated, it can lead to pneumonia. The treatments most recommended by specialists are:
- Rest
- Eat well
- Consume foods rich in vitamin C
- Avoid taking cold
- In some cases, getting a vaccine
- Use of painkillers and antipyretics, which relieve pain and fever
- Drink lots of fluids
Home Remedies
Many home remedies are used to cure flu symptoms. With certain foods teas, juices and soups are made, the most important of which are:
- ginger
- honey
- lemon
- garlic
- onion
- orange
- cinnamon
- chili
Flu Prevention
Although it is a disease that can easily spread in places with large clusters, since it is transmitted by viruses, the flu can be avoided with a good diet, rich in vitamins. In addition, the flu vaccine can be taken once a year.
Differences between Flu and Cold
While most believe flu and cold are synonymous, they differ. That’s because the symptoms between the two are similar. The main difference between them is the type of virus.
The flu is caused by the influenza virus, while the cold is by the rhinovirus. It is worth mentioning that the cold is a disease that occurs more frequently than the flu. In addition, when a person has a cold, the fever is usually lower than that of the flu.
Want to know more? Read too:
- Virus
- Respiratory system
Types of Flu
In addition to the common flu, there are other types of flu that stand out:
- H 1 N 1 Flu or Swine Flu
- Bird flu
- Spanish flu