Flu

Influenza aka the Flu
 * Term:**

The Flu is an infectious disease caused by the Influenza virus.
 * Description:**


 * Symptoms:**
 * Chills
 * Dizziness
 * Fever
 * Sore Throat
 * Headaches
 * Coughing
 * Weakness
 * Vomiting
 * Body Aches

Humans as well as other natural components of animal population on the earth have to accommodate for the weather discrepancies. However, we have to find the most rational way to go against the meteorological changes. Meteorological changes are especially important when the weather changes from warm to cold, as in mid-October in Tallahassee, Florida, US.A possible consequence that the weather changes might cause for us is suppressing the immune system, so the body will be ready to accept to host various viruses. One of most common virus in a moderately clean environment is flu. According to CDC, “Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness causes by influenza viruses.” (CDC, 2008)
 * Additional Information:**

American CDC, center for disease control and prevention, claims that the types of flu virus can be mainly divided in to two groups of ”Type A and B.” If the type A and/or type B viruses combine with a virus of its minor category the individual might feel infected. It means he/she will be accompanied with signs and symptoms of flu. Vaccination is a practical way to protect the body against the proliferation of the virus in the body. Only the type C influenza can’t be protected by vaccination. Moreover influenza virus is divided to four main categories of avian, swine, canine, and pandemic flu.

Antigenic drift and antigenic shift is when the virus attacks the body several times and the body doesn’t consider the virus as a foreign object. So, no specific antibody will be produced by the body and the individual will become the victim of the virus. This happens when the immune system is low (CDC, 2008).

“Flu germs are more resilient than you may think” (Mayoclinic, 2008). It is recommendable to add at least 3 liter of liquids to the dietary schedule that are advantageous for the the individual’s health as well.

According to Mayo clinic signs and symptoms of flu are “fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, blocked or runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, sever widespread muscle aches, extreme fatigue or exhaustion, headache” (Mayo clinic, 2008).

According to the high understanding and tolerance of Japanese culture, its population is very sensitive about spreading cough droplets into the air.

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 * Web Resources:**

[|Swine Influenza] [|Avian Influenza]
 * Related Terminology:**

CDC. (2008). Seasonal flu basic. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from: []
 * Citations/References:**

Mayoclinic. (2008). Flu germs: How long can they live outside the body? Retrieved October 16, 2008, from: []

Mayoclinic. (2008).Flu symptoms self-assessment: Do you have the flu? Retrieved October 16, 2008, from: []


 * Graphics:**