Influenza, also known as flu, is the clinical condition that results from infection with influenza virus. The main effects of the influenza virus are on the upper respiratory tract, the nose and throat, with possible spread and involvement of the lungs and bronchi.<\/p>\n
It is highly contagious and it has a potential to cause widespread epidemics affecting a sizeable portion of a population at any time.<\/p>\n
Although the disease is more common during the cold months, it may strike at any time. It affects people of all ages.<\/p>\n
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Symptoms<\/span><\/p>\n Influenza strikes suddenly. It usually begins with chills, fever, headache and severe muscular pains. The patient feels miserable and weak. There is an inflammation in the nose and throat, which may spread down the windpipe to the lungs, resulting in a sore throat, cough, running of the nose and eyes.<\/p>\n In milder cases of influenza, the temperature rises to 102 o F and lasts for two or three days. In severe cases, it may go upto 104 o F and last for four to five days. The weakness and fatigue that follows may continue for several weeks. This may be followed by a deep chest cough due to irritation in the windpipe.<\/p>\n In children the disease may start with a convulsion and a rapid rise in temperature to 105 o F to 106 o F. The patient feels extremely weak.<\/p>\n