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Influenza Virus

by: AimyD
Total views: 12 | Word Count: 432

Influenza or the flu virus is an infectious disease of mammals that is caused by RNA viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family. The term “influenza” is derived from the Italian language which means “influence”.

Common symptoms of this virus are chills, fever, sore or scratchy throat, headaches, coughing, and muscle pains. This virus can lead to pneumonia if not treated in a timely manner. Pneumonia can be life threatening especially in young children and the elderly.

Many times this virus has been confused with the common cold, but the flu virus is much more severe and can be caused by other viruses. The flu can also cause nausea and vomiting in every one that has been diagnosed with it, generally signs of the flu are more noticeable in small children.

This virus can be spread through the air, meaning each time someone coughs or sneezes their germs could enter you body causing you to have the flu virus. Other ways the virus can be transmitted to through saliva and nasal secretions (snot) to name a couple. Therefore, you may want to think twice about kissing that person, you never know if they have the flu virus or have had it. Even though it may seem as though they are not infected with the flu, they can still have the germs in their bodies and can pass them on to you.

There are generally different strains of the flu virus, so precaution is vital so as not get this virus. There are vaccinations available for those who need it most, generally young children and the elderly are the first in line to have a flu shot. These vaccinations include material from at least two of the known strains of the virus. This means that the shot you get each year is really a small dose of the virus. Having a small dose helps your body get ready to attack if the virus were to hit full force.

Keep your family safe when flu season rolls around. Be sure to get your flu shot this year and every year to follow so you will be ready when the season hits. If you don’t get a flu shot don’t worry, because you may not get the flu. I have not had the flu in over ten years and I have not had a flu shot. Just remember that you need to keep your hands clean and sanitize any area that is touched throughout the day. When you cough or sneeze you should be sure to cover your mouth, it not only helps but it is polite too.

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http://www.celluleanworks.com  

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FollowText.com » Health » Influenza Virus

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