Influenza

Alternative Name: Flu

Influenza Menu

What is Influenza?

Influenza, usually known as the flu, is a viral respiratory infection of the lungs which is characterized by fever and severe muscle aches. In some severe cases there may be cough too.

It is usually caused by RNA virus of the Orthomyxoviridae family (a type of influenza virus responsible for causing influenza). It is a very contagious disease and is easily spread by air or by direct contact. Most cases occur during epidemics, which peak during the winter months nearly every year. A particularly widespread and severe epidemic is called a pandemic.

In the elderly and infirm, it is a major cause of disability and death (often as a result of secondary infection of the lungs by bacteria). Even in the young and healthy, influenza produces a prostrating disease of a few days duration and one not soon forgotten.

A cold and a 'stomach flu' are very different from a flu. Influenza can be far more severe than the common cold and can even lead to death. Influenza and the common cold are caused by very different viruses. Gastroenteritis is commonly called "stomach flu" or "24 hour flu"; but that is a misnomer as it is not connected with actual flu.

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