SOS Blog

Friday, November 17, 2017

Protecting Yourself & Your Family from the Flu

What is the flu?


Influenza, also known as the flu, can be caused by three types of upper respiratory viruses: Influenza A, B and C.

Influenza A

This is the most complicated of the flus because it has more than 30 known subtypes that can infect animals as well as humans. Currently, only two of these subtypes circulate the human population, however, because subtypes are constantly undergoing small genetic changes, Influenza A has the potential to lead to worldwide outbreaks known as pandemics. One of the Influenza A subtypes transmissible to humans is H1N1, the flu you likely remember as "swine flu". In 2009, an epidemic of swine flu affected large portions of the United States. Epidemics like these occur when flu subtypes undergo unpredictable mutations.

WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference & Research on Influenza

The most common Influenza A virus known today is subtype H3N2. If you've had the flu recently, it's highly likely that H3N2 was to blame.

The Centers for Disease Control carefully monitor these small genetic changes in viruses across the globe, constantly keeping an eye out for any indication that a mutation we don't already know about has occurred.

Influenza B

The Influenza B virus is just as capable of making you sick, but with no subtypes to account for, this flu is much more predictable. Influenza B also undergoes small genetic changes responsible for various "strains" of the virus, however, because Influenza B only affects humans and mutates at a rate two to three times slower than Influenza A, it cannot result in a pandemic.

Influenza C

Influenza C is an extremely mild version of the flu. This type of flu has never been responsible for an epidemic and could easily be mistaken for a nasty cold.


What are the symptoms of the flu?


The flu is most commonly associated with muscle aches, coughing and fever. Other flu symptoms include chest tightness, congestion, sneezing, headache, fatigue, sore throat and shortness of breath. Although some people experience intestinal discomfort or vomiting while sick with the flu, there is no such thing as a "stomach flu" or "stomach virus". Similarly, any flu-like symptoms lasting only 12-24 hours are not the flu.

The flu will last one week or longer once symptoms begin to show. However, you're contagious up to two days prior to any symptoms.




How is the flu transmitted?

The flu is transmitted easily in water droplets from coughs, sneezes and even talking. You can catch the flu from doorknobs, handshakes, and being confined with others in indoor spaces.


How can I prevent the flu?

Because the flu is highly contagious and can be transmitted before symptoms occur, it's important to take extra precaution during flu season, which generally lasts from October to January.

• Don't share drinks or utensils
• Wash hands often
• Use disinfectants in high-traffic places such as schools, work, public transport or the supermarket
• Vaccinate

The CDC recommends being vaccinated against the flu no later than October, and earlier if a vaccine is available. However, it’s never too late to get the flu shot.

The current 2017/2018 flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three most common flus: H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza Type B. The CDC currently does not recommend nasal vaccinations as these have not been as effective in the past.


How effective is the flu shot?


Flu shots are developed using data from more the 100 influenza centers all over the world. These centers keep an eye on flu trends year-round in order to
predict the flu strains of the coming season. Twice a year, the centers collaborate to select the strains to grow for vaccination. Flu vaccines develop antibodies that keep you protected should a flu virus find you, but they do not contain a live virus and therefore cannot make you ill. Since the seasonal flu originates in Southeast Asia, scientists can predict the efficacy of flu vaccinations based on the types of strains most commonly seen there. Once a virus has been isolated, it is grown inside of a chicken egg. People with chicken egg allergies are not candidates for the traditional flu vaccine but can use Flublok, which is not grown in this manner.

Once the flu shot has been administered, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to form the antibodies it will need to protect you.


Why do I need to be vaccinated yearly?


The small genetic changes, also known as antigenic drift, that occur in the flu virus, make you susceptible to the flu every season. Although these strains are very similar, last year's vaccine cannot protect you from this year's flus.


Who isn't a candidate for the flu shot?


• Babies under six months
• People with severe allergies to vaccination ingredients

What should I do if I get the flu?


• Don't take antibiotics
• Take painkillers
• Stay at home
• Drink fluids
• Rest


When should I see a doctor?

Some individuals are at higher risk for complications from the flu. Because influenza are upper respiratory illnesses, persons with asthma, heart disease, bronchitis or emphysema should be watched closely. Additionally, babies younger than two years old and those older than 65 are considered high-risk individuals. A weakened immune system due to illness or cancer treatments also poses a risk for additional complications. Pregnant women or those who have recently given birth should consider themselves at higher risk, and should see a doctor if they suspect the flu.

25 comments:

  1. You could visit this article for some advice on how to write interesting argumentative essay. Everyone else is already using it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting information and attractive.This blog is really rocking... Yes, the post is very interesting and I really like it.I never seen articles like this. I meant it's so knowledgeable, informative, and good looking site. I appreciate your hard work. Good job.
    Kindly visit us @
    Sathya Online Shopping
    Buy AC Online
    Buy Split AC Online
    Buy Window AC Online
    Buy LED TV Online
    Buy Laptop Online

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice blog, it's so knowledgeable, informative, and good looking site. I appreciate your hard work. Good job. Thank you for this wonderful sharing with us. Keep Sharing.
    Kindly visit us @
    SATHYA Technosoft - Singapore
    Digital Marketing Agency Singapore
    SEO Company Singapore
    PPC Services Singapore
    Social Media Marketing Singapore

    ReplyDelete
  4. Symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu are Fever (100 F or greater), cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, and headache, with fatigue being reported in most infected individuals. Some patients may also get a sorethroat , rash, body aches, headaches, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Regards: Literature review writing service

    ReplyDelete
  5. Those ESL assignment writing services have an advantage of hiring the best English language coursework writing service company that is familiar with ESL assignment help services for their English Language Writing Services.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for this blog, if you want to buy Alivcor's Pocket ecg device then you can visit Alivecor India. This is the official website of AliveCor. You can buy kardia 6l, alivecor kardia mobile ecg.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Of the types of investment which qualify for a residence permit, Real estate investment provides possibly the best liquidity and security while also (statistically) being the most effective way to get approval from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs - having the highest approval rate. http://www.immigration-residency.eu/residence-permit-latvia/real-estate/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Awesome dispatch! I am indeed getting apt to over this info, is truly neighborly my buddy.
    Likewise fantastic blog here among many of the costly info you acquire. Reserve up the beneficial process you are doing here.

    My web page::; 부산오피

    (freaky)


    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you so much admin for uploading such amazing content with us your blog is really helpful for me. wish you all the best for upcoming comments. I am also wanted to write blog kindly guide me if my topic is 3d printing services in china then what should I do first and how will I create new and unique content on this topic

    ReplyDelete
  10. Technologistan is the popoular and most trustworthy resource for technology, telecom, business and auto news in Pakistan
    zong balance check code

    ReplyDelete
  11. 192.168.1.1 is a private IP address used to login the admin panel of a router. 192.168.l.l is pre-specified by the router companies as the default gateway address and can be used to make different changes to the router’s settings. 192.168.2.1

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your blog is great. I read a lot of interesting things from it. Thank you very much for sharing. Hope you will update more news in the future. If you want to Fix Common QuickBooks Errors easily please contact QuickBooks team for instant help.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Really Great Post, Glad to discover your blog post. Your Post content is very informative for us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Provide technical support for the emails services such as How To Unlock the SBCGlobal Email Account.

    ReplyDelete
  14. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

  15. There are many causes of flu-like allergy, environmental change or bacterial infection. It is the disease that spreads to others also.
    I am working in a company which offers dissertation writing services in the UK. I have to deal many clients in face to face meetings. Therefore, my company has provided some guidelines which include wearing face mask and using hand sanitizers etc..

    ReplyDelete
  16. This blog is really interesting about the symptoms of flu. They also give their precautions. It's really easy to understand. Now it's time to avail shutters in birmingham for more information.

    ReplyDelete
  17. This blog is really intresting about the symptoms of blog. I look forward to your next post.
    What does it mean when a girl hits you playfully

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for sharing beautiful content. I got information from your blog.Keep sharing.
    quiebras cerca de mí

    ReplyDelete
  19. Symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu are Fever (100 F or greater), hack, nasal discharges, weakness, and cerebral pain, with exhaustion being accounted for in most contaminated people. A sore throat, rash, body aches, headaches, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur in some patients. There are many causes of flu-like allergy, environmental change or bacterial infection. It is the disease that spreads to others also. It is important to study about Public health Care to be safe in the society.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you for sharing this useful information. The blog was excellent in every way. This article's information is already well-known. Send us more of your fantastic materials, please. Solicitation Of A Minor

    ReplyDelete