The flue (influenza) refers to a respiratory illness caused by either influenza A or influenza B viruses. Each type includes various strains, which tend to change each year. Flue can cause mild to severe illness and can be risky to health leading sometimes to a number of complications or even fatal cases. Most of fatal cases refer to people older 65 years old.

As a rule flue activity tend to increase during fall and winter months, but the peak levels of this illness usually occur between late December and early March. Anyone can get influenza but people with chronic underlying health conditions such as diabetes, asthma or those who have a weakened immune system can get the virus easier.

The disease is diagnosed according to the symptoms, which usually include fever, aches, chills, cough and sore throat. In rare cases an infected person may experience vomiting or diarrhea. In complicated cases when the disease is left untreated for several days it can lead to more serious illness such as pneumonia.

Being a highly contagious disease influenza is easily transmitted via:

• the direct contact such as sharing drinks, for example;
• or indirect contact – with droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person during sneezing or coughing.

In order to prevent the spread of influenza use the common safety measures:

• Cover your nose with a tissue (not your hands) while sneezing or coughing. After that be sure to through it away immediately.
• Wash your hands regularly with a soap. It reduces the risk of the spread of the infection.

In case you have got the infection after all stay at home for several days and start treatment. It is recommended to consult with a health care provider who will prescribe you a necessary medicine, taking into account your individual case. It would be appropriate to mention such medicines as Relenza and Tamiflu which considerably differ from their alternatives by a number of advantages. Nowadays they are widely prescribed by the physicians and are considered to be safe and effective treatment. However, if you have any doubts concerning the choice of a medication do not hesitate to clarify this issue addressing to a health care specialist.

Filed under: Relenza, Tamiflu