(Grippe; influenza)
An influenza virus causes the flu, a very common and highly contagious respiratory infection. Some people mistakenly refer to a cold or any upper respiratory disorder as the flu. But in reality, the flu is a more severe illness than the common cold.
Not only it can lead to pneumonia, but some types of the disease are even fatal.
A bout of flu confers immunity against that particular virus strain, but because these viruses quickly change, or mutate, new strains emerge every few years. In general, however, a flu virus falls into one of three categories, Type-A, the most common, is responsible for the serious and wide spread epidemics; Type-B also causes epidemics, but with milder cases than those of Type-A; Type-C is relatively un-common, but sometimes causes outbreaks of mild flu.
Diagnostic Studies and Procedures:
Your own observations of symptoms are usually enough to tell you that you're having flu, particularly if there has been an epidemic in your area. Flu symptoms are similar to bad cold, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, running nose, cough and headache but they come on more suddenly, are more severe, and last longer. If you consult a doctor, he will do a physical examination and possibly order blood tests and a sputum culture. A chest X-Ray may also be necessary if the symptoms suggests the presence of flu and related pneumonia.
Medical Treatments:
The physician may prescribe you Amantadine if Type-A virus is involved, an anti-Parkinson's disease drug that has an anti-viral effect. Or he may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent secondary pneumonia, especially if you suffer from asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or another lung disorder.
Alternative Therapies:
Although they are unlikely to shorten the course of the flu, a number of alternative therapies may alleviate the symptoms of the illness.
An influenza virus causes the flu, a very common and highly contagious respiratory infection. Some people mistakenly refer to a cold or any upper respiratory disorder as the flu. But in reality, the flu is a more severe illness than the common cold.
Not only it can lead to pneumonia, but some types of the disease are even fatal.
A bout of flu confers immunity against that particular virus strain, but because these viruses quickly change, or mutate, new strains emerge every few years. In general, however, a flu virus falls into one of three categories, Type-A, the most common, is responsible for the serious and wide spread epidemics; Type-B also causes epidemics, but with milder cases than those of Type-A; Type-C is relatively un-common, but sometimes causes outbreaks of mild flu.
Diagnostic Studies and Procedures:
Your own observations of symptoms are usually enough to tell you that you're having flu, particularly if there has been an epidemic in your area. Flu symptoms are similar to bad cold, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, running nose, cough and headache but they come on more suddenly, are more severe, and last longer. If you consult a doctor, he will do a physical examination and possibly order blood tests and a sputum culture. A chest X-Ray may also be necessary if the symptoms suggests the presence of flu and related pneumonia.
Medical Treatments:
The physician may prescribe you Amantadine if Type-A virus is involved, an anti-Parkinson's disease drug that has an anti-viral effect. Or he may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent secondary pneumonia, especially if you suffer from asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or another lung disorder.
Alternative Therapies:
Although they are unlikely to shorten the course of the flu, a number of alternative therapies may alleviate the symptoms of the illness.
Aromatherapy: Therapist recommend placing 5 drops of cinnamon oil in 1 tablespoonful of water and inhaling the scent three times a day; they also advise massages or baths using lemon, pine needle, or rosemary oil.
Homeopathy: Aconite and Nux-vomica are recommended during the early stages of flu. One dose a week of bacillinum 30 & influenzinum 30, given separately or in combination, may be advised for severe cases. Baptisia is used for headache, aching limbs, and fever and arsenicum album for chills and diarrhea.
Hydrotherapy: For the achiness of flu, take a hot shower or bath; also try soaking your feet in a basin of hot water for 20 minutes twice a day.
Self Treatment:
Bed rest while your body fights the virus, is the best medicine. If you have a fever, drink extra fluids, including fruit juice, tea, and broth, to prevent dehydration, extra fluid also help thin any lung secretions.
For a sore throat, try gagling with warm water, double strength tea, or warm salt water. Acetaminophen, aspirin, nasal sprays and decongestants may relieve minor discomfort, however do not give aspirin to anyone under the age of 18 as it may increase the risk of Reye's Syndrome.
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