& Healing Centre
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Cold and Flu.
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is an infectious
disease caused by RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae (the influenza
viruses), that affects birds and mammals. The name influenza comes from the
Italian influenza, meaning "influence" (Latin: influentia). The most common
symptoms of the disease are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe
headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. Fever and coughs are the
most frequent symptoms. In more serious cases, influenza causes pneumonia, which
can be fatal, particularly for the young and the elderly. Although it is often
confused with other influenza-like illnesses, especially the common cold,
influenza is a much more severe disease than the common cold and is caused by a
different type of virus. Influenza may produce nausea and vomiting, particularly
in children, but these symptoms are more common in the unrelated gastroenteritis,
which is sometimes called "stomach flu" or "24-hour flu".
Typically, influenza is transmitted through the air by coughs or sneezes,
creating aerosols containing the virus. Influenza can also be transmitted by
bird droppings, saliva, nasal secretions, feces and blood. Infection can also
occur through contact with these body fluids or through contact with
contaminated surfaces. Airborne aerosols have been thought to cause most
infections, although which means of transmission is most important is not
absolutely clear. Influenza viruses can be inactivated by sunlight,
disinfectants and detergents. As the virus can be inactivated by soap, frequent
hand washing reduces the risk of infection.
