What Causes Influenza

Introduction

 

Influenza refers to an infection of the upper respiratory tract – i.e. The ear, nose, throat and sinuses - caused by one of a family of viruses known as Orthomyxoviridae.  A common short name for the condition is flu.  Make no mistake, flu can be a serious problem for sufferers and in some cases it can even be fatal.  For instance, in the aftermath of the Great War (1914-1918), Britain experienced a flu epidemic which, it is believed, was responsible for the deaths of many more people than the War itself.  In more recent years, there have been lethal epidemics of flu in Asia.  

 

History

 

People often confuse flu with the common cold, but it is important to realize that while the two are similar, there are differences in the causes and symptoms.  Cold is basically milder and caused by a wider range of viruses, almost 200 at the last count.  When we catch cold – and nearly-all of us do from time-to-time – there is little that can be done other than to sit it out, perhaps using painkillers if the cold is particularly severe.  Most cold symptoms pass very quickly.  The symptoms of flu however, are altogether more severe, and include headaches, high fever, chills, intense muscle pains, exhaustion, loss of appetite and cough.  Flu isn't just a bad cold.  That is a misconception.  In fact, it is an entirely different condition (albeit with similarity of symptoms), caused by a different virus.  Flu often requires antibiotics to tackle and suppress, whereas antibiotics are of little use with the common cold.  

 

 

 

Features

 

A good understanding of the causes of flu can be helpful, as this education helps us to avoid contracting the condition, or at least reduces the chances of being one of the unfortunate thousands who do so each year.  Influenza is caused by three types of virus – A, B and C.  Type A is the cause of most flu epidemics, while Type C tends to be associated with moderate symptoms that are quite similar to the common cold.  The viruses are actually contracted through contact with infected droplets on hard surfaces and in the air, and through contact with sufferers.  Most sufferers have no control over the spread of the virus from themselves to others, and so if you suspect you have contracted flu (or indeed, the common cold), it is important you seek medical help and assistance and also that you avoid contact with others who you might infect.  Globally, it is possible to contract flu at any time of the year, though it is more seasonal in some countries.  For instance, in the UK the vast majority of cases occur between the months of November and February.

 

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