The Flu

The flu is a common sickness around the world. People get it a few times a year, and it is
not usually fatal. But what do people know about the flu? Most individuals do not know
many details about this sickness that is a part of their lives seasonally. In order to address
this, this essay will discuss the basics of the virus, its symptoms, complications, how it
spreads, and its period of contagiousness. (Introduction)

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, “There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types
A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza
viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza A viruses can be
broken down into sub-types depending on the genes that make up the surface proteins”
(“Influenza (Flu)”). During flu season, various kinds or brands of the virus spreads. The
virus is known for its great variability, and that is the reason why it is so successful and
longstanding. (Main Idea 1)

The symptoms of the flu are the most visible signs that we have the virus. As stated
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “People who are sick with flu
often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore
throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue (tiredness),
and some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in
children than adults” (www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/symptoms.htm). If one has these
symptoms, it can be said you have the flu almost without doubt. (Main Idea 2)

These symptoms are normal, but complications when one has the flu are the most
dangerous. According to WebMD, “They include viral or bacterial pneumonia,
dehydration, and ear infections and sinus infections, especially in children. The flu can
worsen long-term medical conditions, like congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
You might also have muscle inflammation (myositis), problems with your central nervous
system, and heart problems such as heart attacks, inflammation of the organ (myocarditis),
and inflammation of the sac around it (pericarditis)” (“What Are Flu Complications?”).
This shows one needs to take care of the flu before it reaches a critical point of damage
and influence. (Main Idea 3)

Being aware of how the flu spreads is also a vital aspect of the illness. Noted by Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, “People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6
feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when
people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of
people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs”
(www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm). Sometimes, the flu can also spread by
someone touching an object that the virus has been in contact with, and then this
individual rubs his or her eyes or touches his or her mouth. (Main Idea 4)

Additionally, you can benefit by knowing the periods of contagiousness. VeryWell Health
states that, “The typical flu incubation period—the time between exposure and the start of
symptoms—is between 24 hours and four days, with the average being two days. This
means that if you are exposed to the influenza virus and become infected, you will start to
experience flu symptoms anywhere between 24 hours and four days after the exposure”
(Duda, Kristina, and Sanja Jelic). This means that it is difficult to determine exactly when
and how you acquire the flu. (Main Idea 5)

As we have seen, the flu is a respiratory illness that is caused by the extremely adaptable
and variable influenza virus. It has a variety of symptoms, such as coughing, runny nose,
chills, and more. A flu can bring on complications as well, like infections and
inflammation if one is not careful enough. The virus itself is exchanged through a host
releasing it in liquid form by sneezing, coughing, and other methods. Lastly, the period of
contagiousness is between 24 hours to four days. This basic information about the flu can
help us ward against the danger of this common illness. (Conclusion)