The University of Maryland Medical Center states that influenza, which is more commonly called the flu, is a virus that affects the lungs, throat, bronchial tubes and nose. It states that Step 1
Know the types of flu viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three types of flu viruses: A, B and C. It goes on to state that type A is divided into subtypes and strains. Type B is only broken down into strains. Influenza A and B are the types that cause seasonal epidemics every year in the U.S. Both influenza A and influenza B have a vaccine available. Influenza C doesn’t have a vaccine because it isn’t thought to cause epidemics.
Step 2
Learn when flu is most likely to go around. According to the Nemours Foundation, as many as 60 million people in the United States get the flu every year. Flu season peaks from November through April. Every year, the flu virus mutates, or changes. Sometimes the change is very slight and any antibodies you have from previous exposure to the flu, along with regular flu vaccinations, will protect you from the flu. However, every 10 years on average, the virus may change drastically. At this point, a widespread outbreak of severe flu cases may occur. This is called an epidemic. If the epidemic spreads throughout the world, it is then called a pandemic.
Step 3
Keep an eye out for flu symptoms. A sudden sore throat, sneezing and runny nose may signal a bout of the flu, according to the Mayo Clinic. The key factor is the suddenness of the symptoms. Colds come on gradually, while the flu comes on suddenly. The clinic further states that a dry cough, fatigue, weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches and pains, chills, nasal congestion, sweats and fever are other symptoms of the flu.
Step 4
Be aware of complications. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that approximately 36,000 people die each year of the flu. People with the flu, especially those who are considered high risk, should get a flu vaccination annually and be treated promptly by a physician if developing flu symptoms to minimize the risk of developing pneumonia, bacterial infections and/or encephalitis. High-risk people include pregnant women, infants, young children, elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, health care workers, child care workers, people with immune deficiencies and people in nursing homes.
Step 5
Understand the treatments. According to the Mayo Clinic, rest and fluids are all the treatment needed for mild cases of the flu. Pain relievers and chicken soup are also recommended. However, there are anti-viral medications that may be prescribed to treat some cases of the flu. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are two of the medications often prescribed to treat the flu.