What is the Flu? by Stephanie Watson
Watson, Stephanie. "What is the Flu?" 25 May 2005. HowStuffWorks.com.
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu is not the same as a cold, although they share many of the same symptoms. The cold is caused by a different virus, and it tends to have milder symptoms than the flu. Colds are also less likely to cause serious complications.
When the influenza virus gets into the body, it moves into the respiratory tract. Once there, it binds to the surface of cells. The virus then opens and releases its genetic information (RNA) into the cell's nucleus. The nucleus is where the cell's genetic information (DNA and RNA) is stored. The virus replicates, or copies itself, and takes over the functions of the cell. The copies of the virus move to the cell membrane until the cell finally dies and releases them out into the body, where they go on to infect other cells.
The respiratory tissues swell up and become inflamed (the inflammation usually heals within a few weeks). As the virus moves through the respiratory tract and into the bloodstream, the first symptoms begin to emerge. The replication process continues for up to several days, until the body's immune system begins to fight the virus off.
Flu symptoms can include any or all of the following:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Body aches
- Runny nose and/or congestion
- Tiredness
These symptoms, although uncomfortable, are generally not dangerous. But the flu also weakens the immune system, leaving it vulnerable to more serious infections. High-risk individuals in particular are susceptible to serious complications, such as:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Dehydration
- Sinus problems and ear infections (primarily in children)
- Worsening of preexisting conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
That's probably more information than you wanted to know about the flu, but that is what's been happening to me for the last several days. I've already missed two days of work and it looks like I won't be going tomorrow either. D.a.r.n. flu bug! I find it pretty amazing that you can google flu trends! I guess there should be some comfort in knowing that other people are as miserable as you are! ha! Not really.
I'm thankful that I am fearfully and wonderfully made because God created a wonderful immune system to combat nasty little bugs like the flu. So, until my immune system has worked it's amazing job.....I'll be on the couch, with my bff....Puffs box.
Peace and Joy,
Susan
9 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear you are sick. Hope the rest will make you feel better real soon. God bless!
Well I learn something every day. I sure am sorry you have been felling so sick and I hope you get better real soon. Prayer for you.
I'm sorry to hear that you're sick...it seems like the flu's going around pretty bad right now. Get well soon!
Ohhh Noo!
I was hoping this was gonna be a year the flu wasn't much of an issue, but it seems to be coming on strong here too...Did you call your doc and get any of the anti-flu meds? Sure hope your feeling much better soon. In the meantime just cuddle up with your blankie and get plenty of rest.
I've prayed for you!!
Oh, I'm so sorry! I had the flu last year at spring break and I seriously did not get out of bed for 5 days!!
Hope you feel better soon, Susan!
I hope you feel better soon, you'll be in my prayers.
It's Saturday.
How ya feeling today, Susan? You're in my prayers.
OOPS! The last anaymous was me, LAGIRL.
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