Influenza
Influenza, also
known as flu,
is the clinical condition that results from infection with influenza
viruses.
The main effects of the influenza viruses are on the upper respiratory
tract, the nose and throat, with possible spread and involvement of the
lungs and bronchi.
The disease is
highly contagious
and it has potential to cause wide spread epidemics affecting sizeable
portion of a population at any time. Although it is more common during
winter it may strike at any time. It affects people of al ages.
Symptoms
Influenza strikes
suddenly.
It usually begins with a chill, fever, headache and severe muscular
pains.
The patient feels miserable and weak. There is an inflammation in the
nose
and throat, which may spread down the windpipe to the lungs, resulting
in a sore throat, cough, running of the nose and eyes. In milder case
of
influenza the temperature rises to 102oF and lasts for two or three
days.
In severe cases, it may go up to 104oF and last for four or five days.
The consequent weakness and fatigue may continue for several weeks.
This
may be followed by a deep chest cough due to irritation in the windpipe.
Causes
Influenza is what is
known
as germ disease. It is not caused primarily by the action of the germs
as is generally believed, but develops due to a toxic and run-down
condition
of the system of the affected person. This condition is brought about
by
dietetic errors and a faulty style of living such as worry, over work,
lack of proper exercise, living in stuffy rooms and keeping late hours.
No disease germs can find lodgment and become active in the system of a
person who is perfectly healthy in the true sense of the term.
Influenza
is passed on with ease from one affected person to another especially
to
those who are also in an equally low vital stage. That is how an
epidemic
starts.
Treatment
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