Flu how does it work

Hurt says. The flu virus targets cells in your nose. The other molecule, neuraminidase, is responsible for allowing newly formed flu viruses to leave the hijacked cell and spread to uninfected neighbors.

So not only are there several types of flu viruses, but those viruses are also always evolving. Hurt says, meaning no one has the right antibodies to fight it off. Epidemics happen when an infectious disease spreads rapidly, and a pandemic is a global disease outbreak. Although the common cold and the flu are both contagious viral infections, flu symptoms often come on suddenly and are much worse.

You might have the flu if you are experiencing:. Every year, flu experts from around the world meet in advance of flu season to determine what viruses are most prevalent and should be considered when producing the vaccine. These side effects may start shortly after getting the shot and can last up to two days. They should not get in the way of your daily activities. A few people do have a headache or a low-grade fever for about a day after they get the shot.

The flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu. If you are allergic to eggs, you can usually get the flu shot. However, if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu shot, you should not get a new flu shot. If you get the flu, there are things you can do to feel better. First, call your doctor to see if there are medicines that can help. Remind him or her if you are taking drugs to fight cancer or other medicines that make it hard for your body to fight illness.

There are prescription drugs, called antivirals, that are used to treat people with the flu. If you take them within 48 hours after the flu begins, these drugs can make you feel better more quickly. Antibiotics do not help you get over the flu. They are sometimes prescribed to help you get over a secondary infection if it is caused by bacteria.

Bacteria are a different type of germ than viruses. Antivirals can also be used to prevent flu. If you hear that there is a flu outbreak in your area, check with your doctor. He or she could prescribe an antiviral that might protect you. Prevention is key. The first choice for preventing the flu is a flu shot.

If you are sick, try to rest in bed and drink plenty of fluids, like juice and water but not alcohol. Medicine such as acetaminophen can bring down your fever, which might help with the aches and pains. It is important not to smoke if you are sick with the flu. It is a respiratory illness that can infect your lungs, as well as your nasal passages. These same areas are also bothered by smoking.

Take it easy as much as you can until you are well. Sometimes a new, different kind of flu virus appears. You may have heard about the avian or bird flu. This flu is an example of how changes in a flu virus might lead to serious illness. However, there is some good news about bird flu. It is rare in people. In most cases, the bird flu has not passed from one person to another, and so, it might not become widespread in humans. But this could change over time. Scientists are working on new vaccines that can help protect people from bird flu.

Right now, having seasonal flu does not build your body's protection against bird flu. Food and Drug Administration toll-free druginfo fda. American Lung Association toll-free info lung. Vaccine Finder vaccine healthmap.

You may be able to spread flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. The time from when a person is exposed and infected with flu to when symptoms begin is about 2 days, but can range from about 1 to 4 days. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Anyone can get flu even healthy people , and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age, but some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick.

This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease , pregnant women, and children younger than 5 years.

The first and most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. CDC also recommends everyday preventive actions like staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes and frequent handwashing to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory nose, throat, and lungs illnesses, like flu.

It is very difficult to distinguish flu from other viral or bacterial respiratory illnesses based on symptoms alone. There are tests available to diagnose flu. More information is available: Diagnosing Flu. There are influenza antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. To receive weekly email updates about Seasonal Flu, enter your email address:. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Influenza Flu.

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Key Facts About Influenza Flu. Minus Related Pages. What is Influenza Flu? Flu Symptoms Influenza flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.