Types of Flu You Should Know AboutLine
The flu or influenza forecast changes every year. If swine flu is on the rise one season, bird flu would take precedence the next and so on. With a new flu being introduced almost every second year, one can fall sick just by hearing about them. But because flu is highly contagious and can be dangerous to the respiratory system, one needs to remain cautious and avoid coming in contact with these flu-causing viruses.
Influenza or flu is a respiratory illness caused by an airborne virus. Flu viruses enter the body through the mucus membranes of your nose, eyes or mouth. Which means, every time you touch an infected area you increase your chances of being contaminated with a flu virus. So remember to always keep your hands clean and germ free by washing them frequently.
There are many types and subtypes of flu and it is important to know that flu may not be life threatening. The extent of its damage to your system might differ. While some may be more dangerous than the others, most of them might cause mild symptoms that can easily be treated at home.
So what are the different kinds of flu that you should be aware of? Read further to find out.
Typically there are 3 kinds of flu viruses:
1) Type A:
Even though this virus is capable of infecting animals, humans too are largely known to suffer from this virus. Because this virus is constantly changing it is known to cause large epidemics. The most common hot spot for this kind of virus are surfaces that an infected person has touched. Since it can easily be passed on from one person to another when a person infected with it coughs or sneezes, one is required to be extra cautious. To prevent yourself falling prey to diseases caused by this virus, keep your hands germ free by washing them frequently or dabbing them with an alcohol based sanitizer.
Symptoms:
Unlike cold, this flu comes on suddenly and its symptoms can be moderate to severe. They usually include:
-Stuff nose
-Non-productive cough
-Fever
-Chills
-Muscles & body ache
-Headache
-Vomiting & diarrhea (in some cases)
Treatment:
Medication maybe used to relieve muscle and joint aches. Flu usually takes about a week to subside. During this period one is required to take complete bed rest, eat light and healthy, drink plenty of fluids and stay indoors to prevent spreading of virus among others.
2) Type B:
It is a subtype of the influenza virus that tends to occur occasionally. Unlike Type A, this virus is found only in humans and may cause less severe reaction as compared to Type A flu. But that does not mean that the person suffering from it can ignore treating it. It is a very contagious virus and can cause severe illness among people belonging to young or very old age groups.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of Type B influenza are more or less similar to Type A but if not treated in time, they can lead to some serious complications in the patient. Being a respiratory tract related illness; it can affect a person’s lungs thus leading to serious medical conditions like severe bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia etc. Some of its signs include:
-Sore throat
-Aching muscles
-Fatigue
-Abdominal pain
-Loss of appetite
-Weakness
-Cough
-Fever
-Chills
-Nasal congestion
Treatment:
Antiviral to an extent can treat symptoms related to Type B influenza but not provide complete relief. Ayurveda as an ancient science of healing uses natural and non-invasive ingredients as a cure, therefore, is considered safe and free from any side effects. Besides its treatments are known to cure the disease from the root which other medicines fail to do.
To treat symptoms of Type B flu like sore throat, cough, cold etc., try Dabur’s range of Honitus Cough Syrup, Madhuvaani, Cough Drops or Hot Sip. It will not only treat the root cause of the flu but also boost your energy and strengthen your core thus giving you the strength to fight against any signs or symptoms related to flu.
3) Type C:
It is known to cause mild illness and rarely infect people.
Symptoms:
-Runny nose
-Cough
-Headache
-Sore throat
-Aching muscles
Treatments:
While analgesics and antipyretics are used to alleviate symptoms of fever, cough, headache etc., flu can be managed using natural or herbal based remedies too. Besides medicines, complete bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a healthy diet are some of the other things that help in fast recovery.
Falling sick frequently may also signal towards lifestyle disorder. Try incorporate use of natural and herbal treatments and cure as they not only provide long term relief from illness but also eradicate the cause from the root thus giving you a healthy and active body. But if the condition persists and does not subside over a period of time, you must see a doctor.
REFERENCES:
http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20859967,00.html
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/advanced-reading-types-of-flu-viruses
Disclaimer:
• The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat your or your child’s problem without consulting a doctor.
• Dosage and directions for any mentioned product/ medicine should be as per given on the label.
