A flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.These viruses can cause anything from mild to severe illnesses and can even lead to death.Between 5 and 20 percent of the people living in the United States will get the flu in any year. Generally the flu is not serious enough for hospitalization, but because of this and the possibility of death, the flu is not something to take lightly.Some areas of the population are at greater risk than others of getting the flu.The most common symptoms are fever and chills, headache, extreme fatigue, dry cough, sore throat and muscle aches.Nausea vomiting and diarrhea can also occur, but are most likely in children than adults. The ordinary flu can lead to complications, including bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of current medical conditions like congestive heart problems, asthma and diabetes.
Flu viruses are thought to be spread person to person through air droplets from coughing or sneezing and also from touching something infected and then touching your hand to your eyes, nose or mouth.Adults can spread the condition about one day before they experience symptoms and are infectious up to 7 days after becoming sick.Symptoms may not arise until between one and four days after you have been infected, so the possibility is there that you will infect others before you are even aware that you are sick.The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you stay home at least one full day after your fever is gone. Children may pass on the virus for longer than 7 days.
There are at least 200 different viruses that cause symptoms that are associated with the common cold.They are known as rhinoviruses.These are most active in the early fall, springand summer months.Corona viruses also bring on the common cold and they are more active in the winter and early spring.There are about 1 billion colds in the U.S. each year.Adults experience on average 2 to 4 colds each year, whereas children are effected 6 to 10 times each year.Nearly 22 million school days are missed because of the common cold.
With all these incidences of colds and flu going around, one must take every precaution available to avoid getting a flu or cold. In a subsequent post, I will discuss preventative measures.One thing is to boost your diet with immune-supportive supplements.
Dallas Alternative Nutritional Supplement Source is about being healthy without drugs or synthetics.Call 214.871.9596 or email us to learn more about vitality and health.