Influenza facts to help you stay protected

An infection that spreads through your nose, throat, or lungs is the Flu. Flu is Influenza. Do not confuse stomach flu and this flu. The stomach flu virus causes digestive discomfort.

Influenza affects respiration. It works during a weather change.  Flu vaccines can help prevent the infection.

A fifth of the world’s population was under the grip of the Spanish flu virus. Children born during this period had lifelong ailments.

The deaths were around 100 million. Hence, it was the tragic pandemic of the 20th century. In India, doctors called it Bombay Flu or Bombay fever then.

The USA lost 670000 people in 1918 due to the flu. Researchers worked day and night to find a medication, but they were late.

A brief knowledge of Influenza

Influenza is a contagious disease. Your nose, throat, and lungs are affected by infectious droplets.

You will experience symptoms for a week or so. Healthy people can fight this infection. However, people with less immunity may not.

Flu Outbreaks over the years

Our past generations faced multiple flu epidemics, like:

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Types of Influenza

Influenza has 4 types. These are A, B, C, and D, depending on the viruses. Type A has two divisions based on their protein combinations on the outer layer of the virus.

Flu A has severe complications compared to Flu B. Flu A affects adults, while Flu B affects children below 5 and our elderly.

Type C influenza is less frequent and does not have severe effects. Type D affects cattle.

Influenza viruses affect us in 5 phases:

• They enter and multiply in our bodies.

• They lower our immunity.

• Symptoms occur

• Our immune system gains energy from food and medications to fight back

• Tiredness due to the sickness

Transmission modes of the influenza virus

If the virus infects a person, it can be transmitted to another person in many ways. Infected droplets coming from:

• Cough

• Sneeze

• Spit

• Nose phlegm

• Unwashed hands

These viruses disperse in the air and the surroundings. Children get affected at their schools. Adults who come in contact with an infected person can catch the flu.

Contagiousness of the Flu virus

Healthy children and adults can pass the infection to others before their symptoms appear. On the contrary, people with less immunity may infect others after 2 to 3 weeks.

The influenza virus is very contagious and transmits conveniently to people nearby.  You should stay isolated from your family and neighbors for one day after your temperature comes back to normal.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US reports 40 million illnesses by the Flu and 700,000 hospital admissions in 2024.

Symptoms of Influenza

Any type of Flu will have more or less the same symptoms. However, the experience may change from person to person. Children suffer more than adults. The symptoms are:

• Fever

• Feeling chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Blocked nose

• Joint aches

• Headache

• Loss of appetite

• Tiredness

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

Diagnosing influenza

If you notice influenza symptoms, instantly go to a doctor. The doctors give you a specific direction to tackle the infection, like:

• The doctor takes a specimen of your saliva or nasal secretion and sends it for a lab test.

• This helps to confirm that you have flu viruses inside your body.

• The lab can do molecular tests or Rapid influenza antigen tests to detect the flu virus.

Molecular flu tests are more accurate than rapid antigen tests.

The doctor gives you antiviral medications and provides advice to follow during the infection.

Current spread of influenza in the Americas

After World War II, soldiers and ships came from isolated places that had previously been undiscovered.  These soldiers spread the deadly flu virus.

Consequently, the recent 2024 - 2025 flu prevails due to:

• The weather changes

• Places with lower flu vaccinations

• Population

• Travel

• Poultry

• Animals

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the US, the following were reported:

• 151 pediatric deaths

• 24,000 adult deaths

• 42 million ill people from the flu

• 550,000 hospital admissions

What do doctors say about influenza?

Every doctor wants us to be aware of the symptoms and challenges concerning influenza. As it is highly contagious, doctors advise:

• Timely vaccination for those 6 months or older. It acts as a protection against influenza.

• The flu shot takes two weeks to show effects.

• Medications should be taken within two days of symptoms.

• The current influenza has aftereffects up to 10 days. While we are evolving, viruses are evolving too.

• If you live in an area where influenza infection is prevalent, maintain cleanliness, wear a mask, and stay away from crowds.

• If you or your loved ones face complications, quickly go to your doctor.

Influenza viruses tend to affect us more during climate change. These viruses need a humid environment and low temperatures to multiply. In addition, allergens increase as well. Thus, they both make us sick.

Another point to note, coronavirus and influenza are both contagious viral diseases. Both affect our lungs, damaging our respiration, but they are not the same.

SARS-CoV-2 is spread by the coronavirus, while the flu is spread by the influenza virus. Coronavirus is more contagious than influenza.

Want to know why most people don’t get the flu after receiving a flu vaccine?

The flu vaccination contains dead viruses. This allows your body to recognize them and produce immune cells. Thus, when live viruses attack, your immune system is prepared to tackle them.

Maintain your hygiene to keep away influenza

Your health and safety are in your hands, so:

• Wash hands to clear germs.

• Use soap or alcohol based hand rubs

• Keep your dirty hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing.

• Your home must be well-ventilated.

• Clean your home and surroundings to stay healthy.

A Few Home remedies for influenza

We have many natural resources at our homes to fight infections. Want to know more:

• To flush the viruses, drink watery soups, broths, Coconut water, Herbal tea, and Fresh juice

• Get rest to gain immunity.

• Take Zinc-rich foods to fight the flu, like Shellfish, Lentils, Chickpeas, Beans, Nuts, Dairy items, Eggs.

• Gargle with salt water.

• Some oils can relieve you from a blocked nose and pain. They are Eucalyptus oil, Cinnamon oil, Peppermint oil, Lemon oil, and Thyme oil.

• Inhale steam to clear the nose and throat.

• Eat bland food.

What has influenza taught us?

Influenza has had cases in the past, but scientific advancements provide us with the knowledge to handle it. Doctors recommend awareness of the disease. Cleanliness is the key to achieving good health. Home remedies work for minor symptoms. Complications need a healthcare expert. So, what did I miss here?