It is sometimes very difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a heavy cold and those of the much rarer virus – influenza. Cold viruses have mutated to about 250 strains, yet ‘flu viruses are perhaps no more varied than 10-20 strains. They usually are confined to winter epidemics – and can vanish for years before suddenly emerging and spreading like wildfire. The principle distinct symptoms of ‘flu as opposed to the heavy cold are aching limbs, muscles and/or dizziness and gastric upset. ‘Flu is unlikely to infect the nose – it goes for the throat and generally causes headaches and high temperatures.
Because the muted strains are few and similar, vaccination is possible and can be very effective at preventing ‘flu – so it is essential to be inoculated as soon as vaccines are available for any incoming virus. Your local GP can arrange this – and it is crucial that elderly or frail people take this action.
‘Flu victims always feel too unwell to leave bed, but a ‘flu infection will usually last only 3-4 days – half as long as a full-blown cold. Most importantly, ‘flu can lead to fatal diseases such as pneumonia. Dying of any disease precipitated by the ‘flu virus is very rare after inoculation.
The governments flu inoculation plans and questions and answers about flu can be read by visiting the Department of Health's official Influenza website, (www.doh.gov.uk).
Visit also, the International Influenza Education Panel, (www.influenzanews.com).
