Besides getting a flu shot, there are other things that can be done to build a stronger immune system, which will help fight the flu.
Viruses cause the flu, or what is known as "˜influenza.' Not until mid 1950's were viruses that cause the illness of flu (as well as colds) identified. Viruses also known as submicroorganisms are actually quite small, and basically live off the "˜host' that it chooses to invade. A virus parasitic nature will and does create havoc inside its host, resulting in what can essentially be called a war between the host and its invader.
When fighting the flu bug, it is always a good thing to first differentiate between the flu and a bacterial infection so that proper treatment can be started. A bacterial infection will usually require some type of antibiotic to help fight it. Viruses on the other hand often must run their course.
We know when the body is fighting a virus because as the body fights back, it fights back through the response of the immune system. This is when we start to experience sudden chills, fever, possibly a sore throat, coughs, and sneezing. It is these signals that let us know that the immune system has kicked in and is trying to get rid of the invading virus.
Still, in spite of what the immune system can do, a flu virus can still pose a dangerous threat as it wages its war inside the body. When a flu virus invades a body, it can also weaken the immune system so that the body becomes more susceptible to other invaders. One being invading bacteria, which can then produce a secondary infection such as bacterial pneumonia, which because of its weakened state the body's immune system may or may not be able to fight, unless treated with some type of an antibiotic. It is at this stage when complications can set in. This is one reason why it is important to encourage, and to also sustain a strong immune system, or if the immune system has been weakened, to build it up so that it will be able to ward off these invading viruses.
There are three types of flu viruses: These are usually referred to a Type A, Type B, and Type C.
Type A is the worse of the three in that it is potentially dangerous as far as what symptoms may occur. This one can produce a very high fever, far more congestion, and can reach epidemic proportions in the community.
Some of the Viruses that do cause colds are the Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, Adenovirus, Enterovirus, and Parainfluenza Virus
Some of the complications that occur from a virus are: Earaches or ear infections, sinusitis, which is an infections that occurs in the sinuses; Laryngitis, which is when the larynx has become inflamed; Bronchitis, which is when air passages in the chest have become inflamed. Meningitis""an extremely dangerous condition that causes inflammation of brain tissue and also the spinal cord. When this does occur, one should seek immediately medical treatment.
Certain precautions and preventive measure can be taken in order to help to keep the flu bug at bay.
First and foremost washing hands frequently, particularly during the flu season will help prevent spreading this virus. At least doing this will ensure the virus is not being spread to others through contact. Covering the mouth during a sneeze or a cough will also help prevent spreading the virus. The use of paper cups and even paper towels can alleviate passing the virus on to others, and thereby prevent not only others from becoming infected by those who have had the flu but also prevent those who are getting over it from becoming re-infected.
Washing all bed linens used while fighting the flu bug or cold and then airing the room where the sick person has occupied is recommended as this, too, will help get rid of any live viruses.
Anyone who is considered high risk, i.e. the elderly, those prone to respiratory infections, or anyone having some kind of immunosuppresant disorder, should get a flu shot before the flu season begins. But since the virus is grown on eggshells, unfortunately anyone who is allergic to eggs should not be taking this vaccination.
Some ways to keep an immune system strong is by eating a well-balanced healthy diet. Also, adding a a good vitamin/antioxidant supplement such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, etc. will help build and sustain a strong immune system. Plenty of fluids, particularly soup, and preferably chicken soup as it seems to contain antibiotic properties. Vitamin rich drinks such as a vegetable or apple drinks will help. Grape juice, which contains tannins, is also recommended as it is supposed to help kill off viruses. Herbals such as Echinacea, garlic, peppermint are recommended, although it is always a good thing to check with a health care professional on these. These herbal supplements have been known to offer some relief when fighting a cold or flu.
If any of the symptoms do cause some or a lot of discomfort, then taking some form of analgesic/antipyretic will help to alleviate any pain or fever accompanying a flu or cold. Although it is usually recommended to let these symptoms run their course without too much intervention, as viruses it seems do not survive above 85 degrees, these viruses may be killed off by an environment above that temperature, such as what would occur with a fever of 101 degrees.
The flu is not a pleasant experience to have to go through. But with proper rest, proper diet, proper medications, it can be made less unpleasant.
