Every winter many of us feel the hit and effects of the flu but not all actually know what flu influenza is.
The Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat and sometimes in the lungs. The virus is inhaled or transmitted usually via your fingers, to the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes. It then travels down the respiratory tract and binds to cells which line the lung airways. The virus then takes over the cell to generate its own viral proteins to then create more viral particles. Once mature viral particles are produced, they are released from the cell and go on to invade other cells.
Some Common Flu Symptoms Include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Muscle or Body Aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue and Tiredness
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhoea (however, this is more common in children than in adults).
How Does the Flu Spread?
Many professionals believe the flu mainly spreads through tiny droplets made when those who have the flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can then land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, the flu can also be spread when someone touches a surface that has the flu virus on it and then touch their own mouth, nose or eyes.
Preventing Seasonal Flu
An important step in preventing flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. As the flu is consistently mutating, the genetic form also changes. This is why a new flu vaccine is created every year and is why it’s necessary to get vaccinated regularly. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious complication that can result in hospitalisation or even death. It’s also recommended to partake in smart social distancing measures as a good everyday preventative action. This includes creating your own personal “little bubble”, staying away from people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes (but don’t use your hands!), wearing masks and frequently washing your hands.
If you have symptoms of the flu or other viruses, we kindly ask you to call us on (02) 9588 7000 or book online here to reschedule your appointment. Maintaining the high clinical standards of our clinics are our utmost priority and we aim to maintain our shared spaces to be as hygienic as possible.
