Flu virus Influenza prevention

Pneumonia is on of the major serious complications of influenza. It can develop about five days after viral influenza. However this is an uncommon event, and nearly always occurs in susceptible individuals. This can be viral pneumonia, in which the influenza virus itself spreads into the lungs, or bacterial pneumonia, in which unrelated bacteria (such as pneumococci) attack the person's weakened defenses. In both cases, the person may have a worsened cough, difficulty breathing, persistent or recurring fever, and sometimes bloody sputum. Pneumonia is more common in older people and in people with heart or lung disease. As many as 7% of older people in long-term care facilities who develop influenza have to be hospitalized, and 1 to 4% die. Younger people with chronic illnesses are also at risk of developing severe complications.

Bronchiolitis, which is an inflammation of the small air passages (bronchioles). Bronchiolitis usually affects children younger than 2 years of age and is the leading cause of serious lower respiratory illness in infants.

Sinusitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the inside of the nose and facial sinuses. Facial sinuses are hollow spaces, or cavities, located around the eyes, cheeks, and nose.

Croup, which is a swelling or obstruction in the windpipe (trachea). It causes a distinctive hoarseness and a barking cough, a high-pitched sound (stridor) heard when breathing in, and difficulty breathing.

Reye's syndrome, which is a very rare but serious disease that most often occurs in children 6 to 12 years old. The exact cause is not known. However, it is associated with children who have recently had chickenpox (varicella) or flu (influenza) and have taken aspirin. The disease primarily targets the brain and liver, and can cause drowsiness, confusion, seizures, coma, and in severe cases, death.

Inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), inflammation of muscles (myositis), or inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericarditis).

Fatigue and a lack of energy that persist after flu symptoms are gone. People may take several weeks to fully recover, although no cause for the symptoms have been identified.

There are three different kinds of Influenza viruses: Influenza A, Influenza B, and Influenza C. Influenza A can attack animals and humans, the remaining two (Influenza B and Influenza C) can only attack humans. Influenza C causes a very mild infection and does not provoke epidemics.

When observed through an electron microscope, influenza viruses are figured like filaments or spheres. Immunity to one strain of the influenza virus will not protect you against newly born strains of the virus, which has undergone minor changes or mutations.

The Influenza B and Influenza C virus may infect only human beings while Influenza A may infect several different types of animals. Influenza A virus can sicken many various types of animals, including humans, aquatic mammals, birds, horses, swine, and others.

At times when two different strains of viruses combine in humans or animals, they result in a new unique strain of virus with more immunity. The modern 2004 Influenza Vaccine is made of three strains, which include two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B.