What is an interesting fact about the flu?

What is an interesting fact about the flu?

The word “influenza” was used for the first time in English in 1703. 2. Each year, an average of 5% to 20% of the U.S. population contract the virus. Even worse: More than 200,000 people will be hospitalized from flu-related complications.

Why is the influenza virus important?

Influenza viruses are among the most common causes of human respiratory infections and among the most significant because they cause high morbidity and mortality. Influenza outbreaks have apparently occurred since at least the Middle Ages, if not since ancient times (Taubenberger and Morens, 2009).

What is the most common complication of influenza?

The most frequent serious complications of influenza are pulmonary and fall into 4 categories: primary influenza pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, pneumonia due to unusual pathogens or in immunocompromised hosts, and exacerbations of chronic pulmonary diseases.

What is the main cause of influenza?

What Causes the Flu? The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses spread when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk, sending droplets with the virus into the air and potentially into the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.

At what stage is flu contagious?

People with flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick.

What happens if flu is left untreated?

Left untreated, the flu can cause: ear infection. diarrhea. nausea.

How do you prevent the flu from turning into pneumonia?

You can help prevent pneumonia by doing the following:

1. Get the flu vaccine each year. People can develop bacterial pneumonia after a case of the flu.
2. Get the pneumococcal vaccine.
3. Practice good hygiene .
4. Don’t smoke.
5. Practice a healthy lifestyle.
6. Avoid sick people.

Does the flu go away by itself?

If you have influenza, you can expect the illness to go away on its own in about 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, you can take steps to feel better: Get extra rest. Extra rest can help you feel better.

What gets rid of flu fast?

Give these a try today.

1. Stay home and get plenty of rest. Mind your flu manners.
2. Drink plenty of fluids. Make sure you get more liquids.
3. Treat aches and fever. Got fever?
4. Take care of your cough. Over-the-counter treatments can calm your hack.
5. Sit in a steamy bathroom.
6. Run the humidifier.
7. Try a lozenge.
8. Get salty.

How do you treat the flu after 48 hours?

Antiviral drugs work best when taken within 48 hours of onset of flu symptoms, but they may still offer benefits when taken later. These medications may reduce the duration of flu by one to two days and prevent severe flu complications.

Can flu go away in 3 days?

For most healthy people, the flu is an uncomfortable but short-term illness that resolves itself as the immune system fights it off. Symptoms usually appear from one to four days after exposure to the virus, and they last five to seven days.

Does sleep help flu recovery?

The bottom line. The best thing you can do to recover from the flu is allow yourself to sleep, rest, and drink lots of fluids. If you catch your flu symptoms early, and you’re at risk of serious complications, you can try an antiviral medication to help reduce the duration of your symptoms.

What kills the flu virus?

Heat above 167 F (water boils at 212 F) will kill the flu virus. Common household cleaning products containing any chlorine; hydrogen peroxide; soap or detergent; iodine-based antiseptics; or alcohols will kill the flu virus.

How long does flu virus live on blankets?

Flu germs live 8 to 12 hours on fabric Studies show that the flu virus can live for only 8 to 12 hours on fabric. Bedding, especially pillowcases, and your clothes may be important hotspots for germs.

Is cold air good for flu?

Let’s clear the air on one thing – cold air doesn’t make you sick. In fact, getting fresh air is good for you when you’re feeling under the weather. When you’re cooped up inside, you’re sharing the same air with those around you.

Is it better to sleep in a warm or cold room when sick?

Many people like sleeping in a cool room, but don’t make it so cold that you wake up shivering in the middle of the night. When you’re feeling sick, you might want to consider raising the temperature a little, rather than letting the thermostat drop. Just don’t forget to change it back when you’re feeling better.

Is Orange Juice Good for the flu?

Orange juice, especially with the pulp, is packed with vitamin C and folic acid, which may give your immune system a boost and help you feel better faster.

What should I drink when sick with the flu?

What to drink when you have cold or flu

• Juice;
• Ginger ale;
• Herbal tea;
• Honey and lemon tea – mix lemon and honey with a cup of hot water;
• Broth;
• Ginger tea.

Is Gatorade Good for flu?

A new study shows that Gatorade was as effective as Pedialyte at rehydrating and easing diarrhea in children with viral gastroenteritis. Sometimes called the “stomach flu,” viral gastroenteritis is caused by a virus that may trigger diarrhea and/or vomiting and usually improves by itself within a week.

What should a person with the flu eat?

Consider eating the following foods when you have the flu.

• Broth. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or vegetable, broth is one of the best things you can eat when you have the flu.
• Chicken soup.
• Garlic.
• Yogurt.
• Vitamin C–containing fruits.
• Leafy greens.
• Broccoli.
• Oatmeal.

How can I get rid of the flu fast without medicine?

We’ll review 10 natural remedies and explain how to use them, and why they can help.

1. Drink water and fluids. Drinking water and other fluids is even more important when you have the flu.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Drink warm broth.
4. Up your zinc intake.
5. Rinse with salt water.
6. Drink herbal tea.
7. Apply essential oils.
8. Use a humidifier.

What should you not do when you have the flu?

What NOT to do if you have the flu — and what can help

1. Don’t take cough medicine. The flu can cause a nasty cough that leaves you exhausted and sore.
2. Don’t take antibiotics. A virus causes the flu.
3. Don’t lie down. This may be the most difficult!
4. Don’t give children aspirin.
5. Don’t drink a hot toddy.
6. Don’t take a cold shower to reduce fever.
7. Don’t go to work.

Are bananas good for flu?

Bananas. Yes. These are great for the flu and are loaded with nutrients and energy. They’re easy on the stomach.

Is yogurt good for flu?

Yogurt. Eating yogurt that contains live bacteria may help fight off the flu. Yogurt is also a good source of protein .

Is Apple good for flu?

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” isn’t just a saying — apples actually can help prevent illnesses such as the common cold. This fruit contains phytochemical antioxidants, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal. These antioxidants help boost immunity and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

What should you eat for breakfast when you have the flu?

10 Foods to Eat When You Have the Flu

• 1 / 10. Ice Pops. They can soothe your throat when it’s sore, swollen, or dry.
• 2 / 10. Turkey Sandwich. It has lean protein, a key part of a healthy diet.
• 3 / 10. Vegetable Juice.
• 4 / 10. Chicken Soup.
• 5 / 10. Garlic.
• 6 / 10. Ginger.
• 7 / 10. Hot Tea.
• 8 / 10. Banana.