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Flu virus Influenza prevention

The flu virus

Influenza, or as it is commonly known,bird flu,H5N1 the flu virus, is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can cause mild to severe illness, and while most people recover without complications within 1-2 weeks, the disease at times can lead to death. The virus spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. Although person-to-person is the most common form of spreading the virus, occasionally individuals may become infected by touching something with the virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
It is important to be aware that adults may be able to infect others, not only when they are already sick but even the day before getting the symptoms.

History

flu Prevention
As history states there has been several hard cases of influenza
The most famous case was the spanish flu pandemic which occured between the years 1918 and 1919 and was estimated to have killed more people in total that in World War 1
Other hard cases of flu occurred in 1957 in Asia, and 1968 in Hong-Kong
Flu pandemics striked many times in the 20th century. Now days the medications and the treatment is more advanced but it still hard to fight these dynamic viruses

Flu season

Influenza usually reaches us in winter, and because the northern and southern countries on the globe have winter in different times there are actually two flu seasons each year. That's why the World Health Organization make two flu vaccines every year, one for the north and one for the south
Most of the influenza outbreaks in the north are usually at peak in January-February, but this is not general as for example the influenza pandemic between 1918-1919 occured in the late spring and summer, so the reason why flu outbreaks seasonly is still unknown as illness

flu virus Types of influenza

Influenza A viruses infect mammals (humans, pigs, ferrets, horses) and birds.This is very important to mankind, as this is the type of virus that has caused worldwide pandemics.

Influenza B viruses infect only humans. It occasionally causes local outbreaks of flu and is usually confined to youngsters.
Influenza C viruses also infect only humans. They infect most people when they are young and rarely causes serious illness

flu Prevention

Health officials are encouraging people, particularly those in high-risk groups to obtain a flu shot. The CDC states that an annual flu shot is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the illness

The best time to get a flu shot is from October through November, although you can still benefit from getting the vaccine after November, even if the flu is present in your community. Be aware that it takes about two weeks after the vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body to provide protection

h5n1

Obtaining the vaccine does not guarantee a flu-free season, however. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and vaccine effectiveness depends on the match between vaccine strains and circulating viruses and the age and health status of the person getting the shot. Although the strain in this year's flu vaccine maybe different from the circulating strain, the CDC states that studies indicate that the vaccine should provide some cross-protection against the circulating A strain

Some people resist getting the flu shot because of the belief that they will get severe side effects, or even the flu itself, from the vaccine. The viruses in the vaccine are inactivated, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Certain side effects are possible, such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fever (low grade), and aches

Chances that the shot will cause serious harm, or death, is very small and allergic reactions to the vaccine, though possible, are rare, states the CDC. Most people who get the vaccine have no serious problems with it. However, the following groups should not get a flu shot before talking with their doctor -

People with an allergy to hens' eggs

People who have had a severe reaction to a flu shot in the past

People who have developed Guillian-Barre Syndrome in the 6 weeks following a flu shot

Since obtaining vaccination doesn't necessarily guarantee immunity against the flu, it is wise to add common sense to our prevention efforts while we are busy pumping iron at the health club. Old fashioned hand-hygiene can go a long way in helping to prevent flu transmission. Although you don't want to spend your entire workout running to the restroom to wash your hands after every set, it's certainly advisable to make sure your hands are clean before and after the workout. Refrain from touching your nose and mouth during the workout to avoid obtaining the virus. Use of hand-antiseptics which include alcohol can also help to prevent transmission of the flu virus.

It is recommended to take out health insurance to cover any type of health condition