Influenza, which is commonly called as “the flu,” is not an uncommon infection. As most people are already aware, it’s a contagious respiratory symptom caused by the influenza viruses. The individual who contracts this virus will experience an infection in his/her nose, throat, as well as lungs. This would result in typical flu symptoms like:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Body aches

In the United States, most commonly, influenza outbreaks will be seen in both fall and winter. Every year, about five to twenty percent of the total population is found to be getting this common infection. Because flu season is right around the corner, everyone should arm themselves with a few facts that will help them overcome influenza this year.

Getting Vaccinations in October

Yes, most of the influenza outbreaks happen during January of each year. However, according to health experts, it’s important for the people to get the vaccination in the month of October. It’s because some of the seasonal outbreaks have happened as early as October during the previous years. Also, it would take at least two weeks for the antibodies to develop from the vaccine in an individual’s body. Therefore, health experts advise people to get vaccinated earlier. Thus, this month would be a great time to get flu shots. Remember, each and every individual, who is six months of age and above, is to be vaccinated.

Types of Flu Viruses

As some people might be aware already, there are three different types of flu viruses. They are named as Influenza A, Influenza B, and Influenza C. Of these, type A is known to be the most severe type, which is responsible for influenza outbreaks in birds, as well as humans. This type is found to be the cause of the popular pandemic H1N1. The second type B is exclusive for the infection in humans. This is found to be mutating at slower rates. The third type C is known to be infecting humans, pigs, as well as dogs. However, this is found to be less common than types A and B.

It’s to be noted that these influenza viruses will undergo frequent mutations. Every year, at least three or four stains are found before developing the vaccines. The exact number of strains available remains unknown. The influenza viruses constantly mutating is the reason why the people are given flu shots every year.

Survival of Flu Viruses

According to the World Health Organization, about three to five million people are affected by serious flu infections every year. In addition, several million people are found to be affected by milder influenza infections. Internationally, about 250,000 to 500,000 people die due to influenza. The most important reason behind this larger number of influenza cases is the survival of the virus.

It’s to be noted that flu viruses have the capacity to survive up to 48 hours on harder surfaces like stainless steel. They have the capacity to survive up to 12 hours on the clothes and tissues. They have got the capacity to stay infectious for up to one week in human body temperatures. They can live for more than thirty days at freezing cold temperatures and indefinitely under the temperatures below freezing. These survival capacities of the virus make it difficult to control the outbreaks.

Possibilities of False Negative Test Results

While it’s true that the influenza tests can be relied upon, it’s important to understand that they are not giving a 100% assurance. Several people who go to test for the H1N1 virus have got a negative test result, but have ended up with the disease later on. There are possibilities of getting a false negative test result when it comes to influenza. This is mainly because of the incubation time of the virus. It would take some time for the disease to become visible. Also, the individual carrying the virus can be infectious for up to one week after getting sick. Furthermore, the virus would start spreading up to one day before the individual knows that he/she is actually sick.

The Spread of Virus

Most people think that the influenza viruses spread only by droplets of the infected people when they sneeze, talk, or a cough. Yes, while it’s actually true that these droplets could land on the mouth or nose of the person nearby, this is not the only way the virus spreads. Sometimes, the virus is also seen spreading through a surface or object when an individual comes into contact with it and then, touching his/her own mouth, eye, or nose.

Take Away

To prevent an influenza infection, the first and foremost thing one can do is to get flu shots every year without fail. In addition, people are also recommended to take some everyday preventive actions like frequent hand washing, staying away from the infected people, and covering their coughs and sneezes.