| Influenza, commonly known as
"the flu", is an infectious disease caused by an influenza
virus. Symptoms can be mild to severe. The most common symptoms
include: a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pains, headache,
coughing, and feeling tired. These symptoms typically begin two
days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week.
The cough, however, may last for more than two weeks. In children,
there may be nausea and vomiting, but these are not common in adults.
Nausea and vomiting occur more commonly in the unrelated infection
gastroenteritis, which is sometimes inaccurately referred to as
"stomach flu" or the "24-hour flu". Complications
of influenza may include viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia,
sinus infections, and worsening of previous health problems such
as asthma or heart failure.
Three types of influenza viruses affect people,
called Type A, Type B, and Type C. Usually, the virus is spread
through the air from coughs or sneezes. This is believed to occur
mostly over relatively short distances. It can also be spread by
touching surfaces contaminated by the virus and then touching the
mouth or eyes. A person may be infectious to others both before
and during the time they are showing symptoms. The infection may
be confirmed by testing the throat, sputum, or nose for the virus.
A number of rapid tests are available; however, people may still
have the infection if the results are negative. A type of polymerase
chain reaction that detects the virus's RNA is more accurate.
Source
Interviews
We plan to do einterviews with MBBS doctors to understand 4 things
1) Tests or questions you ask in first few meetings
2) What it means in medical terms
3) What it means in non medical terms
4) What should the patient or care takers do
We might interview Aurvedic doctors, homeopathic doctors, Yoga teachers
on this health issue
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