Informative Essay On Influenza

Coughing, sneezing, and runny noses seem to be the norm this time of the year. But if you or someone in your family gets sick, how do you determine if it’s merely a cold or a more serious case of influenza? Knowing that there is nothing doctors can do to treat the common cold, most of us resist spending the time and money on an office visit. For the flu, however, prompt treatment with antiviral medications is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to deter complications that could result in hospitalization.
So, how do you decide if you should see a doctor or not? By understanding the differences between cold symptoms and the flu and using telemedicine to get direction from your doctor, you can take the guess work out of this cold and flu season and
Understanding Influenza
Influenza is caused by flu viruses that affect the nose, throat and lungs. It’s usually comes on suddenly and is much more debilitating than a cold. Most people recover within a few days, but complications can be serious and life threatening, especially for the elderly, young children, pregnant women, or anyone with a chronic medical condition. Flu symptoms include muscle or body aches, cough and sore throat, headache and fatigue, as well as fever and chills -- although not everyone gets a fever. Occasionally, children experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Flu season can begin as early as October and extend into May, peaking during the months of January and February. Your best chance at preventing the flu is to get the yearly vaccine before the flu season begins, stay away from sick people, and be diligent about handwashing to reduce the spread of germs.
Using Telemedicine