Symptoms of Cold and Flu
Flu and colds are not the same thing! Both diseases are viral, transmitted through droplets of saliva or nasal secretions containing these micro-organisms, and exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat. However, when the guy is sick, they are more severe and disabling, causing often, nor is able to get out of bed. High fever of sudden onset, also tends to be part of the flu. These symptoms occur within one week after exposure to virus, and last for about five days.
Occurring in all parts of the world, is caused by influenza virus: an RNA virus family Orthomyxoviridae, highly contagious and with great capacity to mutate. There are three types of influenza viruses A, B and C. The last two affect only our species and the type C, the milder and less frequent. Have Influenza A can infect several animal species, being also responsible for flu epidemics and pandemics. This is classified into subtypes according to the arrangement of the molecules of the surface.
In the XX and XXI centuries there were three pandemics: the Spanish flu between 1918 and 1919, caused by H1N1, the Asian flu, 1957 to 1958, the H2N2, and influenza A (formerly called swine flu) in 2009, being responsible for the H1N1 by it.
Children between 6 and 23 months of age, elderly, persons with chronic diseases and immunosuppressed individuals are generally more susceptible to this virus, since they tend to have weaker immune systems and therefore the risk of developing complications such as pneumonia bacteria, are increased. Thus, it is stated that these individuals, and also health professionals, vaccinate annually against influenza.
Prevention
Balanced diet and healthy intake of fluids, preferably not too cold, sleep at least eight hours per day, and regular exercise - steps to keep themselves healthy and active immune system, preventing incidences of colds and a range of other diseases. In addition to these measures, it is worth mentioning:
- Always wash hands with soap and water;
- Avoid human settlements, especially if there are sick people in these places;
- In outbreaks of flu, wear masks when its use is indicated by the authorities;
- Vaccinate annually if belonging to risk group (elderly, immunocompromised, etc.)..
Important
You have the flu? Rest, drinking plenty of fluids and a balanced diet are essential. In cases of fever, cold compresses do. And remember that only the doctor is able to indicate an appropriate remedy for this situation.
Occurring in all parts of the world, is caused by influenza virus: an RNA virus family Orthomyxoviridae, highly contagious and with great capacity to mutate. There are three types of influenza viruses A, B and C. The last two affect only our species and the type C, the milder and less frequent. Have Influenza A can infect several animal species, being also responsible for flu epidemics and pandemics. This is classified into subtypes according to the arrangement of the molecules of the surface.
In the XX and XXI centuries there were three pandemics: the Spanish flu between 1918 and 1919, caused by H1N1, the Asian flu, 1957 to 1958, the H2N2, and influenza A (formerly called swine flu) in 2009, being responsible for the H1N1 by it.
Children between 6 and 23 months of age, elderly, persons with chronic diseases and immunosuppressed individuals are generally more susceptible to this virus, since they tend to have weaker immune systems and therefore the risk of developing complications such as pneumonia bacteria, are increased. Thus, it is stated that these individuals, and also health professionals, vaccinate annually against influenza.
Prevention
Balanced diet and healthy intake of fluids, preferably not too cold, sleep at least eight hours per day, and regular exercise - steps to keep themselves healthy and active immune system, preventing incidences of colds and a range of other diseases. In addition to these measures, it is worth mentioning:
- Always wash hands with soap and water;
- Avoid human settlements, especially if there are sick people in these places;
- In outbreaks of flu, wear masks when its use is indicated by the authorities;
- Vaccinate annually if belonging to risk group (elderly, immunocompromised, etc.)..
Important
You have the flu? Rest, drinking plenty of fluids and a balanced diet are essential. In cases of fever, cold compresses do. And remember that only the doctor is able to indicate an appropriate remedy for this situation.
