Facts about Stomach Flu, Common Cold and Influenza Disease

The influenza illness is caused by infection with an influenza virus. The signs of the common chilled can be caused by any of  200 different viruses, including the rhinovirus, corona virus or influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by an infection with the norovirus. Although the names are similar and people often refer to either condition as "the flu", influenza signs and signs (other than headache and fever) are different from those associated with the stomach flu. What is known as "cold and flu season" is not actually caused by changes in the weather, but by an increase in indoor activities and close contact among giant groups of babies and adults in school settings.

The influenza illness is an illness which affects the upper respiratory method. Influenza signs and signs can vary, but are often similar to the common chilled, except that comparatively high fevers are  always present in cases of the flu, but seldom in adults who have a chilled. Although most people recover quickly from the flu, there is a risk of developing complications in some people.

Influenza illness, stomach flu and the common chilled are all contagious diseases. The viruses can be transmitted from person to another by close contact, touching contaminated surfaces or eating contaminated food. The ways to keep away from these viruses include avoiding close contact with those who are obviously sick, washing hands after touching public surfaces and keeping the hands away from the mouth, nose and eyes. Antibiotics cannot kill any of these infections, as they are all viral infections. A visit to the doctor is usually unnecessary, unless fever is unusually high or extended or signs of bacterial infection or other complications occur. A cough that produces mucus may indicate bronchitis or pneumonia. Pain in the ears can indicate an ear infection. Extreme headache, facial pain and pain in the teeth can indicate a sinus infection.

In case you have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, then you have probably been infected with a norovirus. Stomach flu is sometimes known as gastroenteritis or food poisoning, because the signs are the same. Stomach flu signs appear suddenly and usually last less than days. Influenza signs and signs can last for as long as0 days, usually beginning with fever, body aches and chills and ending with cold-like signs (runny or stuffy nose, dry cough, sore throat, etc.) usually noticed after the other signs improve.

Those individuals who are at high risk for developing complications from influenza illness ought to call their doctor within 48 hours of developing signs, as anti-viral medications are sometimes prescribed to shorten the period and severity of influenza signs and signs in these people, as well as to reduce the chances of spreading the virus among these groups. Those individuals who are at high risk include people older than 50, nursing home and long-term care residents, people with heart issues, lung illness, diabetes, kidney issues, sickle cell illness and babies who are on an aspirin therapy method and somebody who suffers from an weakened immune method, including those who are taking immuno-suppressive drugs. Females in their second or third trimester of pregnancy also have an increased risk of developing complications from the virus.