Influenza

The two types of common aliments which I hate most that are flu and cough.

Influenza, commonly known as "the flu," is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract. It affects all age groups, though kids tend to get it more often than adults.

It is easy to contract a flu all year round, especially if you are living in a tropical country whereby the weather is always so hot and humid. which is why it is also known as "common flu" and the chances of you being infected is extremely high. As long as whoever is beside you, has a flu/cough and provided you don't have a good immune system, high chances that you will get it. That's why I always like describe it as "getting a flu virus is just like sharing with anybody."

It's just like trying clear the levels in the computer games, finding means of ways trying to get rid of it and win this game. The worst part is not infected by it but is the process of dealing with it. The symptoms are intolerable. I tried to search through the website trying to find what are the symptoms of flu.

Generally, you will start to feel ill within a few days after being infected. Peak symptoms arise after two to three days and after a week or so, you should begin to feel much better but the weariness will last for awhile. The flu generally lasts from 2-7 days or 4-5 days being the most common.

The flu is an acute illness, meaning that symptoms usually come on suddenly. Infection usually lasts about one week and most patients recover without medical treatment within two weeks.

Flu viruses affect the respiratory tract and cause headache, runny or stuffy nose (rhinitis); dry, persistent cough; and sore throat. In some cases, cough associated with the flu can last longer than 2 weeks.

Influenza also causes systemic symptoms, including the following:

• Chills
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
• Fever (usually high)
• Malaise (generally feeling unwell)
• Muscle aches (especially in the legs and back)

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and ear infection (otitis media) also may occur with the flu. These symptoms are more common in children. Viruses that affect the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., stomach, intestines) often cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These illnesses may be referred to as "stomach flu," but they are not caused by influenza viruses.

These symptoms come on more rapidly than they do with a cold and usually unable to perform daily activities due to the illness.

In some extreme case, flu might even infects the brain which is known as Encephalitis.

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain that occurs when a virus directly infects the brain or when a virus, vaccine, or something else triggers inflammation. The spinal cord may also be involved, resulting in a disorder called encephalomyelitis.

• People may have a fever, headache, or seizures, and they may feel sleepy, numb, or confused.
• Magnetic resonance imaging of the head and a spinal tap are usually done.
• Treatment involves relieving symptoms and sometimes using antiviral drugs.

Encephalitis can occur in the following ways:

• A virus directly infects the brain.
• A virus that caused an infection in the past becomes reactivated and directly damages the brain.
• A virus or vaccine triggers a reaction that makes the immune system attack brain tissue (an autoimmune reaction).

Before symptoms of encephalitis start, people may have digestive symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Or they may feel as if they are getting a cold or the flu and have cough, fever, a sore throat, a runny nose, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.

Symptoms of encephalitis include

• Fever
• Headache
• Personality changes or confusion
• Seizures
• Paralysis or numbness
• Sleepiness that can progress to coma and death

People may vomit and have a stiff neck, but these symptoms tend to be less common and less severe than when caused by meningitis.

The feeling of sick and tired is always the worst. Battling with this tiny virus is not just seeing a doctor and taking the medication and you will be fully recover.

Absolutely No!

People who are down with flu are usually advised to drink plenty of water and plenty of rest, and if necessary, prescribed medication or even consult a doctor if there is a need... ...

Take note:

If after seeing a doctor and taken all the medication and you are still not recovering; after two weeks, the symptoms become more severe than in the initial stage, go straight to the hospital for a thorough investigation.

Always try to stay at home if you contract flu as it is can be easily transmitted through air by coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious. Always try to avoid others until you are much better. It is important to have this social responsibility "Always keep your germs to yourself."