The flu season in the United States usually begins in October and continues through May. However, the flu may occur at any time of the year. Most commonly, humans are affected by type A or B influenza. However, at times humans are affected by other types of flu such as avian flu or swine flu (H1N1). All types of flu typically run their course without any serious complications. However, in some circumstances serious complications may arise from any type of flu. Individuals with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to serious complications such as pneumonia. Also, babies and the elderly are also at risk of developing serious complications.
Seasonal Flu
Seasonal flu is most often caused by type A or type B influenza. The annual flu vaccine is designed to protect individuals against type A and type B influenza. Influenza A can be classified as either H1N1, H1N2 or H3N2, depending on what types of proteins are present within the flu virus.
Influenza C
The flu vaccine does not protect individuals against type C influenza. Type C influenza generally causes mild respiratory infections and does not lead to epidemics. Type C flu is usually mistaken for the common cold and resolves itself within a few days.
Swine Flu
Swine flu is a variant of the H1N1 type A flu made up of a combination of swine flu, avian flu and human flu strains of the influenza virus. A major outbreak of swine flu began during mid-2009. Symptoms of swine flu include fever, chills, sore throat, cough and body aches. Some individuals with swine flu may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Swine flu poses serious risks for those with underlying health conditions or those that develop secondary conditions such as pneumonia.
Avian Flu
Avian or bird flu (H5N1) is generally rare in humans. However, if the avian flu mutates it could infect more humans. Symptoms of avian flu include cough, sore throat, muscle aches and fever. Avian flu also may cause conjunctivitis of the eye. Complications that may arise from avian flu include respiratory distress and viral pneumonia.
Flu Treatments
Prescription antiviral medications are used to treat all types of the flu. These medications include those in the neuraminidase inhibitor and adamantane antiviral categories. Tamiflu and Relenza are both types of neuraminidase inhibitors that are commonly prescribed to help speed up the recovery process by preventing the virus from spreading any further.
Over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Motrin may also be used to treat fever and body aches.
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