Myths and facts of influenza

Flu is a viral disease and the common cause of the flu is the influenza virus, although there are also other viruses, for instance para-influenza and adeno-virus. The most common types of the flu virus are types A and B. Most cases of flu occur in an epidemic pattern at varying intervals, usually during autumn and winter. Although a common illness, there are many myths surrounding this dreadful disease.

Here are six of the most frequent myths and facts:

Myth 1: Flu can be cured. The fact is that there is no cure – only the symptoms of flu can be treated. The only solution is bed rest, plenty of fluids, pain medicines for the muscle aches, natural remedies and cough suppressants.

Myth 2: Flu vaccinations will protect a person from getting flu. The fact is that each year flu viruses undergo significant variations in their protein structures. The result is that the antibodies the body made during the last time it had flu is actually ineffective against the flu variations. Although a new vaccine can be formulated each year it is important to acknowledge that vaccines cannot protect against all possible mutations of the flu virus. For this reason flu vaccines are mostly recommended for the elderly and for those with chronic heart or lung problems. There is also the myth that when a person is once vaccinated he or she is immune for the rest of the year. Whatever vaccination is received it must be borne in mind that it can at most only provide partial protection due to the various variations.

Myth 3: Getting flu cannot be prevented. The fact is that a healthy lifestyle can prevent flu. By getting sufficient rest, following a healthy diet, abstaining from bad habits like drinking and smoking and having enough exercise the body’s self-defence system will be strengthen and subsequently the body will be able to defend itself against viruses, like the flu viruses.

Myth 4: An easy way to attend to flu is by taking antibiotics. The fact is that flu is a viral infection and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics only play a vital role when there is a risk of secondary bacterial infection causing bronchitis or pneumonia.

Myth 5: Flu is limited to winter only; therefore, if a person can steer free from winter then he or she is home-free as far as getting flu is concerned. The fact is that flu is a viral illness that commonly occurs in winter due to the fact during winter when the weather is cold and miserable people are confined indoors with limited ventilation with the result that the virus can more easily spread than during the more warmer seasons – but, flu is all year around.

Myth 6: Although a person with flu feels very miserable and sick, it is not a very serious illness. The fact is that when having the flu, a person must look after him- or herself – if the symptoms are not treated serious enough the possibility is there for complications. It is especially for the elderly, infants and people with chronic conditions that flu can be dangerous.

Although it may be a common illness it is no laughing matter or something that should be treated in a could-not-care manner. Always attend to the various symptoms and make use of professional medical advice when in doubt.

Daniel