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Influenza is an acute disease that affects the airways more frequently in autumn and winter

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Influenza is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus and is quite common. It occurs throughout the year, but is more frequent in autumn and winter, when temperatures drop, especially in the South and Southeast of Brazil. Some people, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with some comorbidity, have a higher risk of developing complications due to the flu.

Types of flu

Flu can be caused by three different types of the virus. influenza, all of which are highly transmissible. Types A and B are responsible for seasonal epidemics in various regions of the world, with circulation predominantly in winter, whereas type C causes milder infections.

All types can undergo mutations, with type A being more mutable than type B and type C more mutable than type C. Types A and B cause higher mortality than type C. However, despite having genetic peculiarities between them , all types of flu viruses can cause the same symptoms.

Influenza A

This virus usually affects humans, pigs, horses, marine mammals and birds. Type A influenza can be classified into subtypes according to the combination of proteins.

Influenza A subtypes that affect humans:

• Influenza H1N1;
• Influenza H3N2.

Influenza A subtypes that affect other animals:

• H5N1;
• H3N2v;
• H1N2v;
• H10N8;
• H7N9.

Influenza B

Influenza B is a type of flu that only infects humans and, rarely, marine animals. Type B flu, in turn, is classified into strains, called Yamagata and Victoria strains.

Influenza C

Influenza C is a type of flu that infects humans and swine and is less frequently detected. It causes mild infections and is therefore mistaken for colds or respiratory allergies.

How is the flu transmitted?

The flu is spread from one person to another through drops of saliva expelled when talking, sneezing or coughing. It can also be transmitted through contaminated cutlery, glasses or hands.

Flu signs and symptoms

The flu usually starts abruptly and causes a high fever, headaches and body aches, malaise, and weakness. Other possible symptoms are cough, initially dry, sore throat and runny nose. Uncomplicated flu usually improves within five days of the onset of symptoms. In some cases, however, the frame may extend beyond a week.

Flu complications

Some cases of flu can evolve with complications, the most common being:

• Bacterial pneumonia;
• Sinusitis;
• Otitis;
• Dehydration;
• Worsening of chronic diseases such as heart failure, asthma or diabetes;
• Primary influenza pneumonia.

As strange as it may seem, the flu is also common in summer. Some typical factors of the season reduce the body's defenses, favoring the contamination by the virus. Dehydration, caused by exposure to the sun, is an example of a factor that makes people more vulnerable. Furthermore, the thermal shock caused by the temperature of the environment in contrast to that of the air conditioner is also another factor that favors infection.

How to prevent the flu?

Vaccination and basic hygiene care are the main prevention measures against influenza. Vaccination must be repeated annually, as the vaccine changes according to the mutations suffered by the virus. It usually takes a person two weeks to develop the proper antibodies.

In addition, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing and keeping your hands clean to avoid possible transmission by contact are some simple hygiene measures that should be taken to prevent infection. Also try to sleep well, eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids and stay calm, as too much stress is harmful to the immune system.

Homemade flu teas

Flu teas can be great allies when dealing with unwanted symptoms such as sore throat, muscle pain and nasal congestion. Plus, it's comforting to sip a hot drink when you're in need of care.

• Check out the best homemade flu teas in the article "Flu teas made easy and homemade style"