What to Eat for Gastric Stomach Flu

'What to eat for gastric stomach flu?' is a common question that many of us have. This write up helps you to get the answer to this question in depth. Get to know and then plan well to get out of the flu as quickly as possible

Gastric flu is also sometimes referred to as the viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu. The major problem associated with this condition is the vomiting and diarrhea associated with it. Severe water loss from the body can result in unprecedented consequences. Acute gastric flu might also result in treatment with IV fluids. As such, keeping the body hydrated is important when one gets affected with gastric flu.

Gastric flu is often contracted due to poor hygiene. Keeping away from washing hands frequently and being in close contact with infected patients have proven to be the major causes of gastric flu.

What to Eat For Gastric Stomach Flu

When you are infected with gastric flu, and if you continue to throw up, you can try eating popsicles. Even ice chips made up of fruit juice can sooth the situation. While providing small amounts of water content, this can also help in keeping your body hydrated. Chicken broths can also supply water content in such circumstances. Any vegetable broth can help too. Broths provide electrolytes and can help in hydrating the body. Liquid diet would be the best till you stop vomiting during the gastric flu.

Once you stop throwing up, if you have the question 'what to eat for gastric stomach flu?', you can try taking bland diet. This can include bananas, crackers, toast and plain noodles. Avoid solid food when you continue to throw up. If you have high spicy and high fat foods, they might worsen the symptoms since they have the tendency to irritate your stomach and the digestive tract.

Rather than exploring on 'what to eat for stomach flu?', take water as frequently as possible. Drinking too much water when you have gastric flu is quite challenging. However, aim at drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day. This is the best possible defense that can help with keeping your body well hydrated. If you are not able to have much water at one shot, try sipping it as often as you can.

Avoid taking diuretics since they might pull off water from your body. Caffeinated beverages are to be avoided since they act as diuretics. Other products that need to be completely avoided include alcohol, diary products including milk.

If in case you are unable to keep down the liquids that you take in, it is better to contact your doctor and get treated. Imbalances in water content can result in electrolyte imbalances.

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The Three Types of Flu

Commonly referred to as the flu, influenza is an infectious disease that is one of the most common illnesses suffered by human beings. During the course of their lifetime, most people experience this illness in one form or another multiple times. Nowadays, many people have access to flu vaccinations which can help prevent the illness from occurring. However, understanding more about the three different types of this illness is important to knowing how it happens.

Flu Virus A (Influenza virus A) -

The type A form of influenza is the most virulent and has the most unpleasant symptoms of the three possible types. It is the most common form, and is also the form responsible for the largest outbreaks throughout history. More people die from type A flu than from any other type.

The type A influenza consists of several different subsets types. The most severe subset is known as the highly pathogenic variety; the low pathogenic type is the least severe subset of this type of flu. Just about any time you hear about major outbreaks in the news, or when a certain strain is described as being particularly devastating to humans, it is almost certainly type A. Additionally, severe strains are almost always of the highly pathogenic variety.

Type A is definitely the most concerning type of flu to contract of all 3 types. History has shown that very young children and elderly for the most susceptible when it comes to this type. However, many flu vaccinations are available to help prevent contracting this type. This is fortunate, since the risks associated with type A are the most serious.

Flu Virus B (Influenza virus B) -

The type B flu is not responsible for any type of pandemics, and is rarely mentioned in the news as highly dangerous or potentially terminal. Most people acquire some type of immunity to type B at a relatively early age. However, the pathogens behind type B also mutate frequently, so any immunity will not last forever.

The common occurrence of flu that happens during the winter months is usually of the type B variety. All of the coughing, hacking and other outward symptoms can almost always be attributed to the type B form. However, flu vaccinations do not offer an effective cure or countermeasure to this strain, and researchers continue to work to find ways to combat it.

Flu Virus C (Influenza virus C) -

The type C form of influenza is the rarest one. If someone contracts influenza, it is almost always the type A or type B variety. In the very rare instance when Type C occurs there are severe symptoms to follow. This form of the flu is also far likelier to be contracted by children than by any other segment of the population.

Flu Vaccinations -

Regardless of what type of influenza you may be concerned about, it is always wise to get a yearly vaccination. It can help you avoid a lot of the downtime often associated with these outbreaks. You can minimize the potential for work or school interruptions by protecting yourself with a flu vaccination. The elderly are especially encouraged to receive these vaccinations, as they are the likeliest to suffer the worst symptoms.

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Signs and Symptoms of Inflammation

What are the signs and symptoms of inflammation? This article will discuss the most important things you need to know.

What is inflammation?

What is inflammation anyway? Inflammation is a natural response by our body to any injury. It is the process wherein the white blood cells and the protective chemicals in the body are at play to fight off foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria, and infection.

How inflammation happens

When injury happens to any part of the body, the minute blood vessels that surround the affected tissue widen and dilate to increase blood flow in the area. The pore size or permeability of the tissues also increases allowing blood cells, blood protein, chemical mediators and fluids to rush towards the area.

This accumulation of fluids cause swelling and usually results to nerve compression that brings about pain.

As the blood cells and chemical mediators rush to the area, they bring about various components that function to protect the tissue. This is where white blood cells consume invading bacteria, or where the protein called fibrin starts the clotting process if there is bleeding.

The entire process of inflammation, specifically the increase in blood supply in the injured area causes the production of heat.

In some diseases called autoimmune diseases, the immune system inappropriate triggers an inflammatory response even if there are no foreign substances to ward off. When this happens, your immune system causes damage to your own cells and tissues.

Diseases associated with inflammation

There are many conditions that can be linked to inflammation. For instance, many types of arthritis are caused by inflammation that is misdirected.

Arthritis is a term that is generally used to describe joint inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gouty arthritis and polymyglia rheumatica are some type of arthritis associated with inflammation.

Symptoms of inflammation

Inflammation is characterized by four cardinal signs:

1. Pain
2. Redness
3. Warmth or heat in the affected area
4. Swelling

Some inflammations are accompanied by loss of function and joint stiffness. Oftentimes, only a few of the these symptoms are present when an injury occurs.

Inflammation may also be associated with chills, fever, headaches, fatigue, loss of appetite and other "flu-like" symptoms.

Treatment for inflammation

There are many known medications today for treating inflammation and relieving pain. They include:

- NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Corticosteroids such as prednisone (steroid-based drugs)
- Anti-malarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine
- Antihistamines

Although they work in relieving pain and discomfort caused by inflammation, most anti-inflammatory drugs are so strong that they might potentially cause unwanted side effects in certain individuals. These side effects may include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, as well as cardiovascular problems especially with long term use.

Fish oil supplement for inflammation

If you want relief you might want to ask your doctor about trying to get it the natural way through fish oil supplements. Omega 3 in fish oil has been found to have potent potential anti-inflammatory properties. Taking fish oil supplement daily might provide long-term relief from inflammation without the unwanted side effects for some individuals.

These statements are not medical advice and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

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Sinus Infection Symptoms You Should Know

Many people are not familiar with the condition known as "sinus infection". This is because a mild sinus infection will usually go away on its own if one's immune system is not compromised. However, some people may predisposed to this condition due to certain factors. Some of these factors include:

1. Genetic factors. Our genetic makeup has a great influence on what kinds of food and environmental factors that will trigger an allergic reaction within the body.

2. Anatomy of our nose. People with a deviated septum has a greater chance of suffering from sinus infection as well as those with enlarged turbinates.

3. Accidents which resulted in changes to the structure of the nose.

What are the common causes of sinus infection?

Most people who suffer from their very first sinus infection usually get it from an episode of the common cold or viral influenza. Nasal congestion is very much the culprit because it prevents proper ventilation and air-exchange within the clogged up sinuses and nasal passages.

This provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to proliferate leading to a sinus infection. Increased abnormal production of mucus is caused by inflammation of the mucosal lining brought upon by the above-mentioned illnesses.

The common cold causes congestion in the nasal passages and this inhibits the drainage of the sinuses. When we have the flu, our nasal passages are filled with mucus caused by the accumulation of white blood cells in the lining of the nose. Generally, a common flu stays for a maximum period of one week. After that we usually recover, but it leaves our sinuses inflamed.

So how do we tell the difference between a common cold, viral influenza and sinus infection since nasal congestion is a common symptom?

In order to gauge if you have a possible sinus infection, you need to be aware of the following:

Top 10 symptoms of sinus infection

1. Puffy eyes and a persistent low-grade headache in the forehead especially in the morning.

2. Pain or discomfort in the areas between and around the eyes which is especially worse in the morning.

3. Facial pain. Soreness usually felt in the areas of the bone structure below the eye sockets.

4. A chronic sore throat which often recurs.

5. Tooth ache in the upper jaw area, usually affecting the molars.

6. Persistent nasal congestion.

7. Eyes are sensitive to bright lights, especially in the morning.

8. Thick, opaque or yellowish/greenish nasal discharge, sometimes foul smelling.

9. Otitis Media(infection of the inner ear).This is caused by eustachian tube dysfunction when sticky mucus finds their way into the tubes.

10. A persistent cough. This is caused by thick, nasal mucus continuously flowing down the back of the nasopharynx.

These are the top 10 most common sinus infection symptoms. It must be emphasized that early treatment for sinus infection is necessary if not imperative. This is so because if the mucosal lining within the sinuses is allowed to be continually inflamed, chronic sinus infection will take place and treatment at this stage may prove to be difficult even with today's modern drugs.

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Swine Flu, SARS, and Kimchi

A couple of thousand years ago, makers of Kimchi (a Korean pickled cabbage side dish), long before the appearance of SARS and the Swine Flu, would never have imagined their diet staple might prevent and possibly cure these viral infections.

In April '09, The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the influenza pandemic status to phase four warning.    

What's the difference between the yearly flu season and being infected by the A (H1N1) flu?  According to the World Health Organization: 

"Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and one to which most people have no or little immunity and, therefore, this virus could cause more infections than are seen with seasonal flu. The new influenza A (H1N1) appears to be as contagious as seasonal influenza, and is spreading fast particularly among young people (from ages 10 to 45). The severity of the disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death. The majorities of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment or medical care. Of the more serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune systems". [1] 

"If there is anywhere in the world that took a beating by SARS, it was Hong Kong," says Peter Cordingley, spokesman for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Manila. "The lesson was learned." Drawing on the past, Hong Kong has already issued travel advisories and stepped up controls at airports, including the use of infrared temperature scans and the detainment of travelers arriving with flu-like symptoms. [2] 

The countries and overseas territories/communities that reported their first pandemic (H1N1) 2009 confirmed case(s) since the last web update (6 July 2009) as of 22 July 2009:  

Afghanistan, Andorra, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, La Réunion (French Overseas Community), Haiti, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Namibia, Sint Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, the Sudan, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands (UK Overseas Territory), the United Republic of Tanzania, American Samoa (US), Guam (US)  

As of July 22, 2009, the Grand Total of deaths attributed to swine flu is 1,154.  For updated information of reported cases visit the  WHO Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 site listed at the bottom of this article.   The below listed link to a Google Map depicts areas of the swine flu outbreak providing an accurate geographical image of infection outbreaks.  

How is it treated?  

For suspected cases of the virus, a five-day treatment of zanamivir alone or combination of oseltamivir and either amantadine or rimantadine is initiated. For confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, either oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may be administered. [3]

Will a facemask protect me from being infected? 

We have very limited information of the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators in combating and control of influenza. If used correctly, facemasks and respirators may help reduce the risk of getting influenza, but they should be used along with other preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact and maintaining good hand hygiene. 

"Unless otherwise specified, "respirator" refers to an N95 or higher filtering face piece respirator certified by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  Three feet has often been used by infection control professionals to define close contact and is based on studies of respiratory infections; however, for practical purposes, this distance may range up to 6 feet. The World Health Organization uses "approximately 1 meter"; the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration uses "within 6 feet." [3]

  Any prognosis for the future?  

Approximately 90-95% of infected people recover despite harsh symptoms to include 100+ degree temp. headaches, extreme fatigue, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, aching muscles, basically all the common flu symptoms.  

To date, caution must be taken as swine flu (H1N1) is still spreading and may become a pandemic affecting entire regions or countries.  Annual Flu outbreaks are expected and predictable. However this outbreak has not followed usual flu patterns.  The future speculated prognosis is split among those who believe swine flu (H1N1) will diminish and die out this summer '09 and those who believe it will return to claim more cases similar to the influenza pandemic of 1918. 

So, what's this potential wonder drug at the Korean dinner table? 

Since 2003 when SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) rolled across Asia, Koreans remained unaffected for the most part.  Being the daily and national side dish that it is, Kimchi was promoted to status of natural preventative and cure for SARS with virtually no scientific evidence to support the claim. Believe me, as someone who eats kimchi daily and loves it so much I operate a site dedicated to kimchi and Korean cuisine, I welcome and listen to the suggestions, and hope for further scientific investigation validating such claims.  Imagine being obsessed with a food that is suddenly found to save lives in the face of a new and deadly health threat.  

Scientists at Seoul National University fed a kimchi extract to thirteen chickens infected with avian flu.  A week later, eleven of the thirteen chickens apparently recovered.  To date, such studies remain unpublished and certainly not recognized by any medical or scientific community.  Professor Kang of the Seoul National University who observed the thirteen chickens stated Leuconostoc (lactic acid bacteria) found in Kimchi had a positive effect on the bird flu. 

Hong Jong Hoon, a technical consultant with the Korea Agriculture Development Institute, suggested another possible and connecting factor is the ways Koreans eat most of their garlic!  

 Hong began his researching studies at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website where he found a connection between SARS and the corona virus. He then made his way to Stanford University's site, which lists - along with reducing stress, getting more sleep and frequently washing your hands - putting drops of garlic juice on the nostrils as a way to fight infection.  Put it all together, he says, and you see why South Korea has had only a handful of suspected cases of SARS and no fatalities, despite its close proximity to China, where the virus originated, and to hard-hit Hong Kong and Taiwan.  Hong concedes that many other countries make ample use of garlic in their diets, including Italy and China.  But they cook their garlic; Koreans eat theirs raw in kimchi. His theory may be tough to prove, but that doesn't mean it isn't true, he says. [4]

 Park Yong Woo, a doctor of family medicine at Seoul's Samsung Hospital, welcoming needed clinical testing, says, he's convinced of its healing properties.   

"I'd like to compare it with an orchestra," Park says. "It's made of cabbage. But within that are a lot of healthy constituents, including garlic, ginger and chile peppers. It's very harmonious food." 

Kim Man Jo, a food industry consultant and author of several books, including Kimchi, Kimchi, believes Kimchi's curing or managing properties against some infectious disease is created and found in the fermentation process - "They haven't done experiments yet, but harmful diseases can be dominated by the lactobacilli." she says. 

Depending on the variety, I know the most common nappa cabbage kimchi variety has a strong combination of cabbage, red chili pepper powder, fish sauce, lots of garlic, salt, green onions, daikon radish, sugar, and yes, even more garlic - all fermented to perfection to deliver the heavenly flavor and strongest anti-microbial punch.  Withstanding the lack of research in swine flu and kimchi as a preventative or cure, research has found that these friendly bacteria to boost the immune system.  Further research has shown live indigenous bacteria and chemicals they produce can penetrate the intestinal wall and stimulate growth and maintenance of immune cells.  Strains of Lactobacillus can also stimulate defense cells and increase anti-viral chemicals like interferon.

 To date we do have specified medical treatment and course of action despite no vaccine. While it excites me to find kimchi may possess combative properties against certain viral strains, until the claims are subjected to the  "scientific method", it shall remain a folkloric home remedy alongside chicken soup.  Despite the lack of evidence, If a pandemic condition swept the area I live in, I would certainly heed Western medical approaches and most importantly, double up on my kimchi consumption.  Shall we say to each his own?  

With the unfortunate number of those who've died from SARS or Swine Flu (Swine flu killing over 1100 victims worldwide as of July '09 and over 700 claimed by SARS) perhaps it will take a pandemic and desperate condition to even consider researching these currently unfounded beliefs and claims.  Today, at least 168 countries and territories have reported confirmed swine flu cases. 

Since I first ate kimchi in 1990, it remains a favorite daily side dish that I always look forward to.  Whether it cures anything or not, it certainly makes my taste buds and overall system feel great.  I just can't sit to dine at home or a Korean restaurant without it.   

While these flu strains come and go or stay, those who enjoy eating kimchi (touted as one of the five healthiest foods in the world by Health Magazine) continue to get more than their share of nature's probiotic which some day may add new flu strains to it's long list of combated enemies. 

In the meantime, for various flu strains we have existing vaccines and for those we don't or other still standing bugs such as the common cold, we have Gatorade, chicken soup, and old-fashioned but very effective rest. 

[1] TIME - The Lessons from SARS - By Kayla Webley/Hong Kong - Monday, Apr. 27, 2009

[2] What is the new influenza A(H1N1)? From the World Health Organization

[3] Swine Flu - Medicine.net

[4] The Daily Press.com - Hoping for a cure in kimchi - By Mark Magnier   *Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 *Google Map depicting outbreaks of the swine flu outbreak      

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H1N1 Swine Flu Prevention Strategies

One of the biggest concerns among medical professionals with the latest strain of the swine flu or H1N1 is the rate at which this virus spreads among individuals due to the fact that most people are not immune or resistant to this virus. The H1N1 flu is primarily contracted and spread from one person to another through coughing, sneezing, or talking, however, it is also possible to become infected when an individual touches a hard surface that has the virus on it and then touches their mouth or nose. In this medical guide on the H1N1 flu, you will learn the precautions that you can take which will greatly decrease your risk of contracting the virus that causes H1N1.

Steps you can take to prevent the H1N1 Flu

The number one recommendation by the "CDC" or "center for disease control" for the prevention of the H1N1 virus is to obtain an H1N1 flu vaccine. While receiving the H1N1 vaccination is voluntary, this recommendation is emphasized for those individuals who are at a higher risk for contracting the virus including adults over the age of sixty five, children under the age of five, pregnant women, and those who have certain medical conditions such as chronic illnesses. Unfortunately, at this time there are only limited supplies available of the H1N1 vaccine and they are first given on a priority basis to those individuals who are at a high risk from having serious complications from the flu, however, it is possible to obtain one of these vaccines by frequently checking with your state and local health departments for the locations and dates of the vaccination clinics.

Whether or not you obtain the H1N1 vaccination there are everyday things that you can do to protect yourself as much as possible from getting this illness that include when you cough or sneeze use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth and ensure that you dispose of it in trash container. Frequent hand washing is essential in protecting from germs and viruses and you should use plenty of soap and warm water. If soap and water is not available you can use anti-bacterial wipes or hand rubs that are alcohol-based. Germs are primarily spread through contact of the mouth, nose, and eyes, therefore it is essential that you avoid touching these areas as much as possible.

Other Precautions to take Against HiN1 Infection

Keep up to date with local public health officials' recommendations regarding the H1N1 flu status in your area including any school closures that may affect your area and avoid public or crowded areas if at all possible during an outbreak. If you have travel plans, check the H1N1 status in the area you plan to be in and take any precautionary measures that may be necessary. The H1N1 flu is contagious from one day prior to experiencing the symptoms to as many as seven days after having the illness, therefore, it is essential in order to stop any further spreading of this virus that if you do become sick that you remain at home and away from others for a period of at least twenty four hours after you no longer have a fever.

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About Common Cold and Influenza - What is the Difference

Both common cold and flu give symptoms from the ear, nose and throat, fever and symptoms from the rest of the body, and the symptoms of both diseases can vary between mild and very bad. By common cold, the symptoms from the windpipe come first and remain as the main symptoms.

By flu fever, pain in the rest of the body, nausea, feeling of weakness and other general symptoms are predominant. Symptoms from the windpipe are usually milder, but can gradually get somewhat worse. The symptoms from the windpipe may sometimes nearly lack.

THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF COMMON COLD

The common cold is caused by a large variety of viruses, which mutate quite frequently during reproduction, resulting in constantly changing virus strains.

Common cold is generally transmitted when drops coming out when a person sneezes or coughs get airborne and then are inhaled by another person. Transmission by direct contact with a sick person is also frequent. Between one-third and one-half of all people exposed to cold viruses become infected and develop symptoms after 1-2 days.

The symptoms from the windpipe are the strongest by common cold:

- The throat feels sore, and a sore throat is often the starting symptom.

- There will then be increased secretions of mucus form the nose, resulting in running nose and dryer secretions building up in the nose.

- The throat will also secrete more mucus, resulting in a wheezing sound, and possibly building up of dryer secretions also here.

- There will be swelling in the nose and throat.

- Cough and sneezing are important symptoms of common cold. These reactions are stimulated by the building up of secretions and of the swelling in the windpipe.

There may also be mild symptoms from the rest of the body.

- Mild to severe headache is common.

- A mild fever may occur.

- Some persons experience a little neck stiffness and pain in the neck when trying to flex it, but this symptom must not be great. If this symptom is great, it can be a sign of meningitis, a very serious disease.

THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF COMMON COLD

Staying away from people being sick and strict washing habits can prevent the transmission of common cold, but it is difficult to carry through a strict enough regime of this sort in a populated society.

Because of the frequent variations of viruses causing common cold, successful immunization has not been developed.

The immune system of the body usually manages to beat down the infection within some days. By common cold one shall hold an activity level that is felt comfortable. It is not necessary to strictly restrict the daily activities level.

High doses of vitamin C have been proven to help prevent cold and get rid of the cold faster, but the doses that must be used are impractically high if vitamin C is used alone. However, a combination of lower doses of vitamin C with other natural substances may be useful.

Common treatments of cold have the aim of relieving symptoms and of strengthening the immune system so that it can beat the infection better. Pain killers such as aspirin and paracetamol relieve the pain by common cold effectively, and are the most common treatment for this disease. However, both drugs can give adverse reactions if they are used in greater amounts than recommended and even recommended doses can sometimes give dangerous effects.

Aspirin can cause internal bleeding and both aspirin and paracetamol can cause liver damage. For children and teens it is advised to use paracetamol, because the liver damage caused when young people take aspirin can be very severe. The drugs should therefore be used with caution and not in a too long period.

Drugs to loosen mucus, to decrease swelling, to decrease mucus production or to suppress the cough reflex can be effective to relieve symptoms. These drugs are often made to mainly loose mucus or mainly suppress exaggerated cough, but these two effects can be blended in the same drug. These drugs may be liquid, be prepared as nasal spray or as tablets to suck on. To choose the right drug for your child or yourself, you must examine to find out what are the main symptoms: Mucus production, whether the mucus is loose or hard, swelling or exaggerated cough.

Steam inhaling is a traditional treatment long used in many countries. The treatment can help loose the mucus so that the windpipe more easily is cleared by cough. The treatment may also to some extend destroy the virus.

The drug Pleconaril is ment to attack the viruses causing the majority of common colds, picornaviruses. The drug has been developed by ViroPharma Incorporated and Schering. The drug is available in oral form and inter-nasal formulations are being developed, but the efficacy of the drug is not clearly established and the drug is not yet approved for general use.

Interferons are used nasally in Eastern Europe to treat common cold. Interfeons are natural proteins than regulate the function of the immune system.

There exist herbal and mineral supplements on the marked that may strengthen the immune system and thus prevent cold from occurring, ameliorate the cold if it still occurs, and help the body to fight down the disease faster. These supplements often contain extracts of Echinacea Angustifolia. Treatment with this herb should not exceed two weeks.

THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS OF INFLUENZA

Like cold, influenza is caused by virus strains that mutate frequently, but there tend to be one main virus strain each year that spread throughout the globe.

The transmission of the disease occurs by secretions from sick persons. These secretions can be carried as drops through the air, contaminate surfaces people touch, or get into the food. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus has entered the body.

Flu often begins as a diffuse lack of wellness that persists for some hours, and sometimes for a couple of days. Sometimes the flu does not progress past this stage. However, after some time the symptoms often suddenly get worse with a great degree of general discomfort. By flu the symptoms from the windpipe are the same as by common cold, but they are weaker:

- The throat or nose feels sore, but usually mildly.

- There can be some increased secretions from the nose and throat.

- There will be swelling in the nose and throat.

- Cough and sneezing are symptoms.

Symptoms from the rest of the body are the strongest by flu. The symptoms can be distributed throughout the whole body:

- Flu often gives high fever. High fever is the most important symptom to separate influenza from common cold.

- In spite of the fever, there is often a feeling of coldness in some parts of the body or of general coldness.

- There will be nausea, often severe, and often vomiting. Severe nausea and vomiting are also good indications of influenza, especially by children and teens.

- There is often a marked feeling of tiredness and general weakness.

- Mild to severe headache is common.

- Stomach ache and digestive disturbances often occur by flu.

- Aching around in the body, for example in muscles and around joints is common.

- Some persons experience a little neck stiffness and pain in the neck when trying to flex it, but this symptom must not be great. If these symptoms are distinct, the disease can be meningitis.

- The eyes can be read and irritated.

- Also skin redness can occur.

Having flu decreases the resistance against other viral and bacterial diseases substantially, especially if one does not get enough rest and comfort when having flu. Lung infection and throat infection by bacteria are common complications by flu.

THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF INFLUENZA

As with common cold staying away from people being sick and a strict washing regime may also prevent the transmission of the influenza virus, but such a regime is difficult to carry through.

It is often possible to prevent flu with vaccination. However there are many strains of the flu viruses, and therefore the vaccination must be given exactly against that strain being epidemic at any given time.

By flu it is important to reduce the activity level and keep oneself warm and comfortable until all the symptoms have resided. By severe symptoms, rest in bed is recommended. Straining and stressing during a flu episode easily result in an aggravated disease and additional bacterial or viral infections.

It is advised to stay away from tobacco when having flu.

Aspirin or paracetamol can be used to relieve the pain and bring down the fever. As by cold, paracetamol is commonly recommended, especially for children and teens. The drugs should not be taken in higher doses than recommended and even recommended does shall be used with caution, and not too long.

There exist modern drugs that help against the proliferation of some strains of influenza virus in the body, and thereby alleviate the disease and shorten the time it takes to get rid of the disease. The two classes of anti-virals are neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 inhibitors (adamantane derivatives). Neuraminidase inhibitors are most often preferred, for example the drug Tamiflu. These inhibit the action of the enzyme neuramidase that the virus uses. There is a reluctance to use these drugs because strains of virus not susceptible to the drug can develop, and the stores of the drug can easily get short with extensive use.

Drugs to decrease swelling, inhibit mucus production, loosen mucus and suppress cough can also be used by influenza as by common cold.

The same natural supplements used to improve the immune system against colds may also be of help to prevent flu and to help the body to overcome the disease faster, like supplements with Echinacea and vitamin c. Some herbs in the genus Scutellaria (skullcaps) contain a natural neuramidase inhibitor and may also help against flu. Scullcap is often prepared as tea.

DISTINGUISH COLD AND FLU FROM MENINGITIS

Meningitis is a serious disease that requires immediate treatment. Meningitis may begin with the same symptoms as cold and flu. There are however two symptoms that strongly suggest meningitis:

By meningitis there is often severe neck stiffness. If bending down the neck is very difficult and causes severe pain, the condition may be meningitis.

The other symptom is red spots in the skin that do not get pale when pressing at them. These spots can occur anywhere on the body.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKING A PERSON HAVING COLD OR FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS

When some person, and especially a child, gets sick with cold or flu-like symptoms it is necessary to measure the temperature, check for neck stiffness and to look at the whole body to detect any red spots. These checks should be done several times each 24 hours. In this way one more easily distinguishes between common cold and flu, and meningitis is more easily discovered in time.

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