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Causes and Symptoms of Influenza

April 30, 2009

influenzaInfluenza or ‘flu’ as it is popularly termed as is a respiratory tract infection commonly seen in children, but prevalent in adults too. This article will highlight the various causes and symptoms of influenza.

Influenza is a viral infection and can be caused by Influenza A, B, or C viruses. It is more common in people who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, with improper diet and lack of exercise.

Stress too can increase your chances of catching this infection. In addition, coming in contact with infected things and also with infected people can increase your chances of catching the flu.

As mentioned before, influenza is a respiratory infection which usually affects the upper respiratory tract of a person along with gradually spreading to the lungs and bronchi. If not treated on time, influenza can lead to more serious problems like pneumonia.

Additionally, it can also lead to other complications and problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Reye’s syndrome and others.

However, to prevent this problem or to get timely treatment, it is necessary to recognize influenza on time. Here are some common symptoms associated with it. Headaches, muscle aches, fever, cold, cough, throat infection, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, and fatigue are some common symptoms.

Also, the person affected might suffer from chest discomfort or pain and fevers can range from mild to high. Usually, temperatures in children suffering from influenza can rise to a high of 103 to 105 F. Usually, many people mistake influenza as common cold as its main and most common symptoms include sneezing and a running nose.

Timely medication and treatment should be taken if you have influenza. In addition to medical assistance, you should also follow some basic home remedies like taking adequate rest and increasing your intake of fluids.


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