Influenza is caused by many strains of myxovirus.
It is transmitted via the air, in small fluid droplets caused by coughing and sneezing.
On entering the body the virus then attacks the cells of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial tubes and trachea.
Influenza often occurs in epidemics and is more common in the colder months.
Specific influenza virus strains were known to travel the world in 6 months in the 1950s.
In these days of easy worldwide transport influenza can circle the globe in a matter of weeks.
Although the viruses that cause Influenza vary greatly, they produce similar symptoms.
The main symptoms of flu are the fevers and chills.
These are usually coupled with:
muscle pain
sore throats and inflammation of respiratory passages
headaches
general weakness
coughing
Direct death from Influenza is rare, although epidemics of particular strains can cause widespread effects.
Death more commonly occurs from associated problems such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
After infection, the incubation period is usually 2-3 days before symptoms occur.
Most people then recover within a week.
Influenza is caused by several different virus strains.
As such finding a general cure has proved near impossible.
An added complication is that flu viruses are ever-changing.
New strains are produced all the time, (by mutations).
As such a drug which is 100% effective today will not be in a years due to new strains.
Amantadine, which is an anti-viral drug has proved effective against some strains of Influenza, (many Influenza A strains).
However, general treatment for flu involves bed-rest and direct treatment of the symptoms.
Influenza Virus