Influenza is a highly infectious disease that badly affects each and part of the body, but majorly affects the respiratory duct that is the breathing tract. It is also called as flu in general terms and is caused with the virus infection in body.

In the process of breathing, the virus attacks cells in the upper part of the respiratory system and results in the mentioned symptoms: Fatigue, fever and chills, cough, and body aches. In severe conditions, it can also lead to more serious infections.

Words attached with Flu:

• Common cold:A mild infection of the upper respiratory tract that is caused by a virus attack.
• Epidemic: A widespread outbreak of a disease in a major way.
• Reye's syndrome: The disease is found in children believed that intake the use of aspirin at regular level.

Causes

The disease is caused with the infection of flu virus from an infected person to a normal healthy person. The transfer can be done via processes like: sneezing, coughing, sharing of eating and drinking utensils, and direct contact

Symptoms

• Initial symptom of the disease include: headache, dry cough, and chills.
• Later symptoms of Influenza are seen in the form of overall achiness and a fever that may run as high as 104°F (40°C).
• With the decrease in fever level, nasal (nose) congestion and a sore throat become noticeable at regular period of time.
• The entire condition leaves the patient very tired and weak. There are chances that he may not get back to normal condition for a month or so.

Treatment

• The fact is that Influenza cannot be cured. The best cure is to allow the body to heal itself.
• In order to take initial relief in the symptoms, one can get plenty of bed rest and drink lots of fluids.
• A steam vaporizer can make the whole process easier and the person can feel a little relaxed also.
• Painkillers help relieve the aches and pains of the flu.
• Children should not be given aspirin, however.