3 medical conditions for FLU
Bird flu
Bird flu, or avian flu,is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. However, particular strains of bird flu virus have caused serious concern in recent years.
Seasonal flu
Flu is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you'll usually begin to feel better within about a week.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, gastric flu, is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It's usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.
187 articles for FLU
Preventing flu Seasonal flu
Seasonal fluThere are three main ways of preventing flu: the flu vaccination, good hygiene (such as handwashing and cleaning) and antiviral medication. The flu vaccine The annual flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting flu each year, although it's not 100% effective because it doesn't work against every possible type offlu virus. Adults over 18 and
Introduction Tamiflu
Tamiflu"Swine flu" was the popular name for flu caused by a relatively new type of flu virusresponsible for a global flu outbreak (or pandemic) in 2009-10. It's now just a normal type of seasonal flu and is included in the annual flu vaccine.The scientific name for the swine flu virus is A/H1N1pdm09 sometimes shortened to "H1N1".
Treating flu Seasonal flu
Seasonal fluUsually, you can manage flu symptoms yourself at home and there's no need to see a GP. Most people feel better within a week. You should consider seeing your GP if you're at a higher risk of becoming more seriously ill.This includespeople who: are 65 or over are pregnant have a lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurological disease have a weakened
Viral mutations SARS
SARSLike all living things, viruses are constantly changing and evolving. A mutation iswhere genetic information stored inside an organism changes. Many global outbreaks of infectious illnesses (pandemics) that have occurred in recent history are thought to have been caused by viruses previously only found in animals. After mutating, the
Complications of flu Seasonal flu
Seasonal fluComplications of flu mostly affect people in high-risk groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women and those who have a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system. This is why it's important for people in these groups to have the annual flu vaccination and consider seeing their GP if they develop symptoms of flu. Chest infections The
"Swine flu"pandemic 2009-10 Tamiflu
TamifluThe virus was first identified in Mexico in April 2009. It became known as swine flu because it's similar to flu viruses that affect pigs.It spread rapidly from country to country because it was a new type of flu virus that few young people were immune to.Overall, the outbreak wasn't as serious as originally predicted, largely because many older
Symptoms of flu Seasonal flu
Seasonal fluThe symptoms of flu usually develop within one to three days of becoming infected. Most people will feel better within a week. However, you may have a lingering cough and still feel very tired for a further couple of weeks. Main symptoms Flu can give you any of the following symptoms: a sudden fever a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above a dry,
Introduction Bird flu
Bird fluBird flu, or avian flu,is an infectious type of influenza that spreads among birds. In rare cases, it can affect humans. There are many different strains of bird flu virus, most of which don't infect humans. However, two particular strains have caused serious concern in recent years: H5N1 (since 1997) H7N9 (since 2013) Although these
Preventing bird flu Bird flu
Bird fluAs the bird flu (avian flu) virus is carried by birds, it's very difficult to prevent it spreading. However, there are some general measures you can take to reduce your risk of catching a viral infection.General precautionsTo reduce your risk of catching and passing on viral infections, such as flu, always ensure you: wash your hands regularly,
Symptoms of SARS SARS
SARSSARS has flu-like symptoms that usuallybegin two to seven days after infection. In some cases, the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms (incubation period)can be up to 10 days. The symptomsofSARS include: a high temperature (fever) over 38C (100.4F) extreme tiredness (fatigue) headaches chills muscle pain loss of
176 health news for FLU
'Get flu jab now,' GPs urge those at risk
The flu vaccine has featured heavily in recent news, with reports that people are avoiding having the vaccine as they are concerned about its swine flu component. The British Medical Association (BMA) has written to the government, warning...
Flu research may lead to universal vaccine
"Scientists say they have made a significant leap towards creating a vaccine that would protect against every form of flu," is the exciting news on the BBC website. It goes on to say that researchers have identified immune cells that…
Effectiveness of flu jab studied
“The annual flu jab given to hundreds of thousands of people this winter provides only limited protection against the illness,” reported The Independent. This news story is based on a systematic review of studies...
Antivirals and swine flu
Several newspapers have reported today on a review of the effectiveness of antivirals for treating and preventing flu. The Daily Express said that "Tamiflu
Children to be offered annual flu vaccine
"Flu vaccines for all children," BBC News has reported. The BBC’s story is based on a report by independent expert advisers ...
Flu and freezing weather may be driving up winter death rates
"The current death rate in England and Wales is running about one-third higher than its normal rate for this time of year," BBC News reports. A combination of flu and very cold weather may be responsible…
Flu jab "may cut" stroke risk by a quarter
'People who have the seasonal flu jab care 24 per cent less likely to suffer a stroke' is the encouraging news in The Daily Telegraph. New research appears to suggest that flu makes people more vulnerable to stroke risk factors…
Flu vaccination in children
“Vaccinating children against flu may be an effective way of protecting the rest of the population”, The Independent reported. Many newspapers covered the same story,
More work towards universal flu vaccine
“Scientists have hailed a breakthrough in the search for a universal flu vaccine,” The Daily Telegraph has reported. The newspaper says that such a vaccine would save lives and money by eliminating the need for the annual jab...
Four out of ten Brits may naturally show fewer flu symptoms
"Four in 10 Britons immune to flu symptoms, leading to hopes of a new vaccine," The Independent reports. A survey of around 1,400 people found 43% of them had a type of immune cell – T cells – that helps protect against infection…