What is influza virus
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Answer:
Influenza or flu is caused by a virus that leads to respiratory illness. It is highly contagious and spreads easily through coughs and sneezes of an infected person.
Influenza can be communicated simply through touch. Adults can start spreading the virus 2 days before the symptoms start showing up and they can spread it for up to 7 days from the day they become ill. This means that you can end up spreading the influenza virus way before you figure out that you are ill.
It is observed that 250,000 - 500,000 people die due to influenza in a calendar year. In countries with heavy industrialization, deaths caused due to influenza are reported to be higher in people aged above 65.
A common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups.
The flu attacks the lungs, nose and throat. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic disease or weak immune systems are at high risk.
Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue.
Flu is primarily treated with rest and fluid intake to allow the body to fight the infection on its own. Paracetamol may help cure the symptoms but NSAIDs should be avoided. An annual vaccine can help prevent the flu and limit its complications.