The Flu :: Influenza Virus

THE FLU The Flu is the common name influenza which is a virus that attacks the respiratory system. The flu virus releases its genetic information into the cells nucleus to replicate itself. When the cell dies, those copies are released and they affect other cells throughout the rest of the body. With that happening the virus weakens the immune system. When your sick with the flu, your body builds up a defense by making antibodies against it. The flu virus spreads through air when a person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. The Flu was first founded in Seattle September, 1918. The avian flu can also be known as the â€Å"Bird Flu†. The bird flu is being passed around by migratory birds. It can be transmitted from birds to mammals and in some limited circumstances to humans. The flu will also be known as the H5N1 virus. The H5N1 virus has raised concerns about a potential human pandemic because its virulent (deadly; extremely dangerous) and it can evolve like other influenza viruses. As many other viruses and illnesses the flu can be a lot more deadlier. When you get the flu the lungs are severely harmed from infected cells called macrophages and T-cells. The virus can spread way beyond the lungs but generally do not. Many people catch the flu and think they have the common cold because of some of the same symptoms. But actually the flu can be more dangerous if you don’t treat it immediately. Ways to prevent the flu: †¢ Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently †¢ Never pick up used tissues †¢ Never share cups and/or used utensils †¢ Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze †¢ Stay home when you get sick Research also says that after 5 days the fever and other symptoms have disappeared but a cough and weakness may continue. Usually all symptoms are gone within a week or two. But its important to treat the flu seriously because it can lead to other viruses such as pneumonia and other life-threatening complications. For the most part it appears in infants, senior citizens, and people with long term health problems. People with the flu may not know but they are actually contagious from a day before they feel sick. It would usually be one week for adults and two weeks for young kids. Anyone at any age can have serious complications with the flu but those at high risk are people over 50 years old, children between 6 months and 2 years, women more than 3 months pregnant the flu season, anyone living in a long-term care facility, and anyone with chronic heart, lung or kidney conditions, diabetes, or weakened immune system.