Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is one of the most
persistent and debilitating diseases.
It mainly occurs in various forms as a yearly epidemic, causing
severe illness among the populace. Influenza is caused by
myoviruses classified as type A, B, and C. Type A influenza
is the most common, causing serious and widespread epidemics.
The virus enters enters the cell through its genetic material.
The virus multiplies and is released from the cell by a budding
process, to be spread throughout the body.
Symptoms and signs:
The athlete with the flu will display the following symptoms:
fevercoughheadachemalaise
inflamed respiratory mucous membranes with coryza (profuse
nasal discharge).
It should be noted that certain viruses can increase the
bodys core temperature. Flu normally has an incubation period
of 48 hours and comes on suddenly, accompanied by chills and
a fever of 102° to 103° F (39° to 39.5° C),
which develops over a 24-hour period. The athlete complains
of a headache and general aches and pains - mainly in the
back and legs. The headache becomes more severe, along with
photophobia (unusually high intolerance to light) and an aching
pain at the base of the skull. There is often the symptoms
of a sore throat, burning in the chest, and at the onset a
light irritating cough, which may later develop into bronchitis.
The skin appears flushed, and the eyes are inflamed and watery.
The acute stage of the disease usually lasts up to 5 days.
Weakness, sweating and fatigue may continue for many days.
The prevention of flu includes avoiding infected persons and
keeping your resistance high through a healthy lifestyle.
Vaccines, including prevalent strains, may be given to those
at risk such as pregnant women or people in frail health.
Control and treatment:
If the flu is uncomplicated, control
consists of bed rest. During the acute stage, the temperature
often returns to normal. For those individuals under the age
of 18 the symptomatic care such as aspirin should be avoided
because of Reye´s syndrome. Amantadine vaccine is given
for influenza A for those at risk. It is also beneficial for
fever and respiratory symptoms. Steam inhalation, cough medicines,
and gargles may be given.
The body is built for activity, not for rest. ... 