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Influenza , commonly known as the flu is a contagious disease caused by an RNA virus of the orthomyxoviridae family. The name is derived from an old medical belief in unfavorable astrological “ influences” as the cause of the disease.
There are three types of the virus:
- Influenza A viruses that infect all types of mammals and birds
- Influenza B viruses that infect only humans
- Influenza C viruses that infect only humans
The virus attacks the respiratory tract, is transmitted from person to person by droplets breathed out of the respiratory tract, and causes the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness (can be extreme)
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Body aches
The effects of Influenza are a lot more severe and persist longer than those of a cold. Recovery takes about one to two weeks with the flu. The flu can be deadly, especially for the weak, old, or chronically ill.
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