Читать книгу 100 Ways to Boost Your Immune System - Theresa Cheung, Theresa Cheung - Страница 12

Caused by the influenza virus which gives it its name, the ‘flu’ which typically arrives in the winter months is a contagious infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It often begins with a fever, raising your body temperature to 39–41ºC (about 102–106 ºF), and other common symptoms such as body aches, dizziness, lack of energy and a flushed face. The fever can last for up to five days but normally subsides after a day or two. Sometime around day four of the illness the ‘whole body’ symptoms subside and respiratory symptoms, such as coughs, sore throats, runny or blocked noses and sneezing, take centre stage. These symptoms tend to continue for about a week, but coughs and tiredness can linger for weeks after the rest of the illness is over.

The influenza virus is airborne and can be caught by breathing in droplets from coughs or sneezes. Most often, however, it is caught when you touch a tap, phone or door handle with the infection on it, and then touch your mouth, nose and eyes.

Millions of people get influenza every year; most recover but for some the symptoms are so severe that they need to be hospitalised. All ages are at risk of serious complications with flu, but those most at risk include babies, children, pregnant women, people over the age of 60, and anyone with diabetes or a chronic heart, lung or kidney condition.

In most people who are otherwise healthy, influenza subsides within seven to ten days. If you do get flu and are not in a high-risk category, resting, using over-the-counter medications that relieve symptoms, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and antibiotics are the best ways to treat it. (For more advice on DIY methods to ease symptoms of colds and influenza, see ‘Part Three: Fighting Infection’.)