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The influenza virus is highly contagious and affects the lungs and upper airways, causing symptoms such as high fever, body aches, and coughing. It is often mistaken for a cold but is more severe, especially for the elderly and those with weak immune systems. The virus is classified into three types, with Type A being the most severe and prone to mutation. Treatment includes bed rest and fluids, with antiviral medications prescribed for those with weakened immune systems.
The influenza virus affects the lungs and upper airways. Commonly called the flu, the virus is most often passed from person to person. When a person infected with the virus sneezes or coughs, the virus can be transmitted through the air to an uninfected person in tiny droplets of saliva. Skin-to-skin contact can also spread this virus.
The influenza virus is characterized by a high temperature that appears very quickly, followed by aches and pains throughout the body. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea and extreme lethargy. Sneezing and a dry cough may also be present.
The sufferer may also have difficulty sleeping and usually feels sweaty and feverish. A blocked or runny nose is another common symptom of this condition. It usually takes about two days for symptoms to appear after infection. The sufferer will remain contagious for at least five days after the onset of flu symptoms.
The flu virus is often mistaken for the common cold, but the flu affects the lungs much more than a cold. The elderly and people with weak immune systems are very susceptible to this virus. The virus most commonly spreads during the winter months.
The influenza virus is classified into three categories: A, B and C. Type A is the most severe and usually appears every two to three years. Type A is prone to mutation and regularly produces strains that people have no resistance to. Type A influenza has caused many epidemics and is also responsible for pandemics, in which entire continents are affected.
Type B influenza is the strain responsible for the smallest outbreaks of the infection. If you were once infected with type B, your immune system will successfully resist this type of virus for many years. Type B commonly infects children aged 14 to 14 who have never been infected before.
Type C influenza is a very mild strain of the infection. Type C symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a common cold. The flu virus is usually treated with bed rest and plenty of fluids. If you have a weakened immune system, a doctor can prescribe antiviral medications to help fight the virus.
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