Spreading the flu is preventable by knowing the symptoms.
The influenza virus (A.K.A. the flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that many people succumb to every year. In the western world, it’s not perceived as a deadly disease as the death toll is low compared to other diseases. But to the rest of the world (especially in third-world countries), the flu can mean big trouble. Learn about the influenza virus to better your chances of avoiding sickness this flu season.
The symptoms:
People who contract the flu will often experience all of these symptoms:
- Fever/feverish chills
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Muscle/body aches
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more common among children than adults)
Flu Complications:
Most people who contract the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop further complications as a result of the flu that could be life-threatening if not treated with the proper medication. Bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinus and ear infections are examples of such complications. The flu is also known to complicate chronic health problems in people (e.g. asthma, chronic congestive heart failure, etc.).
Those Who Are at Risk:
Anyone on the planet, no matter your location or status, can get the flu. And complications can arise for anyone at any age. There are people at a higher risk of contracting such complications like the elderly and very young children. The reason that it hasn’t been cured is because of its high mutation rate, and your body is only designed to tackle those viruses it has faced before.
The Severity:
Flu is incredibly unpredictable, and can vary widely from one season to the next depending on:
- What flu is going around
- How much flu vaccine is available
- When the vaccine is available
- How many people get vaccinated (herd immunity)
- How well the flu vaccine matches the flu that’s going around
Reduce your risk of contracting the flu this spring by knowing as much as you can about this mutant virus. To be insured against any problems that may arise this flu season, contact VGW Walker Insurance for all of your Texas health insurance needs.
