The ABC's of Flu

But what about the flu? Grandma called it grippe and most people call it the flu, but known by any other name it would hurt as much. That's because influenza is a viral infection that comes on suddenly, usually bringing fever, sore throat, runny nose, cough and a general weakness that can make it a chore just to move about. Your muscles and head may ache. You may get chills. You may end up flat on your back in bed. And you can expect to be miserable for two to seven days.

The common cold it's not. Flu viruses and cold viruses are completely different animals. And though cold and flu symptoms can vary dramatically from person to person, cold symptoms are generally milder and fewer - usually just sneezing or coughing, runny nose, slight malaise and inflammation of the air passages without fever or achiness.

Every year influenza viruses cause outbreaks, usually less widespread than the brutal pandemics that arise about once a decade. And the reason is their diversity and changeability. There are only three main types of flu virus: influenza A (the most prevalent), influenza B (a rarer breed) and influenza C (almost unheard of). But, at least in influenza A, there are many subtypes and many different new strains of these viruses that crop up. People often have no antibody protection against these mutations, and thus an outbreak begins.

Fortunately, most people recover from the flu. When they don't or when they have to be hospitalized, it's usually because the flu has led to medical complications such as pneumonia or has further weakened someone with an existing ailment.

The people most likely to be seriously threatened by the flu are those with heart or lung disease, pregnant women, the elderly, those confined to bed and the very young. In children, influenza brings a risk of the life-threatening neurological illness Reye's syndrome, which has also been associated with the use of aspirin-containing products.