Symptoms of the Flu

Influenza, often called the flu, is a common contagious disease. The flu is caused by a virus that is a sphere or filament-shaped. Influenza is often changing and mutating to become different strains of the flu virus. It is common to get a flu shot or vaccination for one strain of the virus and still become infected with another strain. The most severe strains are those that combine to form one strain, possibly causing fatalities.

When one becomes infected with the flu their immune system does not function normally. A common symptom of influenza is feeling weak. Because influenza causes problems with a patient's immune system influenza can possibly cause pneumonia. Around 25,000 Americans die every year from pneumonia caused by influenza.

It is possible to become infected with influenza at any time but most infections occur during the changing of the seasons. The main area affected by the influenza virus is the respiratory channel. When the weather goes from hot to cold, or cold to hot, many people with weak immune systems will catch the flu. Influenza is normally transmitted from one person to another via. coughing and sneezing.

Influenza symptoms normally include stuffed nose, headaches, runny nose, joint pain, and a fever. Generally influenza symptoms will disappear within one to two weeks. Diarrhea and vomiting can occasionally be a symptom of an influenza infection but are not very common. Gastrointestinal symptoms are more often symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness caused by a different microorganism.

There is a deadly form of influenza going around called the bird flu, or avian flu. The avian flu symptoms can be similar to the normal influenza symptoms. Other symptoms can possibly be, eye infections, respiratory diseases, pneumonia, and other severe and occasionally life threatening complications.

How You And Your Family Can Follow 5 Simple Steps To Naturally Strengthen Your Immune System And Help Prevent The Flu And Colds