Influenza - Cause, Symptoms, Treatment of Influenza

Influenza Overview & Information

Influenza is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs which often occurs in the winter. It is caused by three viruses - Influenza A, B and C. The viruses change constantly and different strains circulate around the world every year. The body's natural defenses cannot keep up with these changes. Therefore, a person should get a flu shot each year. Type C causes either a very mild illness, or has no symptoms at all. It does not cause epidemics and does not have the severe public health impact that influenza types A and B do. Influenza is more common during winter it may strike at any time. It affects people of all ages. Approximately 8 million children and adolescents between 6 months and 17 years of age have one or more medical conditions that put them at increased risk of influenza-related complications.

Influenza Symptoms

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.Common symptoms of Influenza include:

• Weakness.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle aches.
• fever - up to 104 C
• headache
• muscle aches and stiffness nasal discharge
• cough
• shortness of breath
• chills
• fatigue
• malaise
• sweating
• loss of appetite
• stuffy, congested nose
• sore throat Sneezing.
• Runny nose.
• Extreme tiredness.
• Sore throat.
• Ear infection.
• Loss of appetite.
• Diarrhea.

Causes of Influenza

Factors that can cause an Influenza include:

• Influenza 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.

Influenza Treatment

Influenza , like all other acute diseases, is a natural attempt at self-cleansing and if rightly treated in a natural way, immense good can ensue so far as the future health of the patient is concerned. If influenza is diagnosed within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, in particular among high-risk groups, several antiviral medications are available which may shorten the duration of symptoms by approximately 1 day.  These medications include amantadine or rimantadine (active against influenza A only); oseltamivir and zanamivir (active against influenza A and B). As each of these medicines has different side effects and affects different viruses, your physician will determine which one is best for you. Supplies of vaccine are limited each year, but after high-risk people have been vaccinated, anyone desiring protection can request vaccination. 

Treatment is usually not nescessary for children, but if the illness is diagnosed early and the patient is at risk of progression to more severe disease, it can be started.

Medical Diseases & Conditions

Acne

Anaemia

Asthma

Back Pain

Baldness

Black Water Fever

Conjunctivitis

Dandruff

Hiccups

Influenza