The word flu is a shortened form of influenza. Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. As of now, there are three different types of flu: A, B, and C. Type A is the form that changes or mutates from year to year. Because of these mutations, it is impossible to become permanently immune to the influenza virus.
To be diagnosed of the type of flu you might be suffering, doctors base this on how bad your symptoms become. High fever, chills, and severe body aches are often the determining factors.
The flu is spread by direct contact with the virus and is highly contagious. When a person is infected with the virus and sneezes or touches an object, the virus is left behind.
Some of the latest prescription medications on the market are promising in their ability to decrease the severity of flu symptoms. Antiviral medicines like Tamiflu must be taken within the first two days of symptoms appearing. This is often quite difficult, especially when it is so hard to determine whether you have the flu or a bad cold. Studies have shown that if these medicines are taken soon enough after your symptoms start, they can decrease your flu-like feelings by a day to a day and a half.
