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Seasonal Flu and Flu Symptoms - What You Need to Know

Understanding flu symptoms that come along with the seasonal influenza, also called the seasonal flu, is important. With the H1N1 scare, many people suddenly believe that every type of flu is part of this flu epidemic that is occurring, but this is not the case. This is why it's important to know what the seasonal flu is, the flu symptoms that come along with it, and more. Here's a look at what you need to know.

What is the Flu?

Wondering what the flu actually is? Basically it is an illness that occurs cause by viruses that can affect your respiratory tract. The seasonal flu is more severe than the common cold and can cause complications and other illnesses to occur. Each year different strains occur, but sever outbreaks can occur when humans are exposed to strains of the flu that they have little immunity to.

Common Seasonal Flu Symptoms

Most of the time you'll find that the flu shows up rather suddenly. Here are a few of the common flu symptoms you may encounter:

- High fevers

- Extreme tiredness or fatigue

- Stuffy or runny nose

- Sore throat

- Coughing

- Headaches

- Vomiting or diarrhea

- Body aches

The are other complications that can occur with the seasonal flu as well. Some of the complications can include pneumonia and respiratory distress. Those who are elderly and those with current health problems are more likely to end up dealing with complications.

When is it time to call your doctor? Find out the 10 warning signs that it's time to call the doctor

In some cases, you may need emergency medical attention. If any of the following problems occur, you need to get medical help immediately.

- dehydration or not drinking enough

- not interacting or waking up

- dizziness

- confusion

- problems breathing

- vomiting that is severe or persistent

- high fever for 3 or more days

- gray or blue skin color

Causes of Seasonal Influenza

The flu viruses are able to go through the air in droplets from body secretions. When someone even talks or coughs, these droplets get into the air, and you can inhale them. You can also pick up the germs from touching an object that is contaminated that then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose. There are three strains of viruses that are able to cause the flu symptoms, known as type A, type B, and type C. It is type A that is usually responsible for the flu epidemics that occur on a worldwide level. Usually type B causes outbreaks that are local, and type C is a stable virus that may not even cause any flu symptoms at all.

Keys to Preventing the Seasonal Flu

There are some things that can be done to prevent seasonal influenza. It is possible to take a flu vaccine, which is made up each year with certain strains of the flu to help prevent the problem. Doctors often recommend it for high risk people, but there are dangers to taking these vaccines, since some people have even had them cause the flu to occur.

There are other simple things you can do to prevent the flu. Nasal rinses are known to help prevent it by cleaning the germs from the nasal passages. Washing your hands regularly can prevent the spread of viruses, as can keeping your hands away from your face.

The above suggestions are the basics, the minimum steps we should all be taking every flu season to keep ourselves healthy. To learn about additional steps you can take to protect yourself from the swine flu as well as what, specifically you should do if you get swine flu, Click Here

How Long Does the Flu Last?

If you're wondering, how long does the flu last, this can vary from person to person. However, most people who end up suffering from the flu end up having a full recovery in a week or two. There are some that may continue to have flu symptoms and may develop complications that can last longer. Flu Relief - Treating the Flu Effectively

In many cases, you can get flu relief from the flu symptoms at home, although, according to doctors there is no flu cure. Personally I feel that the flu is treatable with an all natural approach, click here for my suggestions.

If you do come down with the flu, you should stay at home until you're better to avoid spreading it. Get plenty of rest to help your immune system fight off the flu. Healthy living choices, such as eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of liquids, and even taking immune boosting supplements can help with treatment. Fevers can be treated with over the counter pain relievers in some cases.

Seasonal Flu vs. Swine Flu

The seasonal flu symptoms and those of swine flu are very close, so you may wonder how you can tell the difference. In most cases, while swine flu has the same flu symptoms, the symptoms are more severe and often diarrhea and vomiting come along with them as well. If you develop what you feel is a severe form of the flu, it may be a good idea to get tested by your doctor.

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