Influenza, the flu, is caused by a friendly virus that is more than willing to move from person to person via sneezing, coughing, and even talking. Anytime the influenza virus is expelled into the air it can be inhaled by anyone nearby and may claim another victim.

For most healthy people, the flu is generally a moderately severe illness and a major inconvenience. When the flu bug bites, generally between November and March, it strikes the lungs, swelling and inflaming the lining of the respiratory tract. Fortunately, the damage is rarely permanent--the tissues heal within a few weeks.

But the flu is not that simple. It affects your whole body. You may experience a fever, chills, loss of appetite, and your head, back, arms and legs may ache. You may also have a sore throat, dry cough, nausea and burning eyes. The flu tends to start suddenly--you may feel fine one hour and have a high fever the next.

In other words, the flu is not fun. So, what can you do to prevent the flu, or at least contain the impact of its symptoms?

"The simplest, oldest methods of avoiding spreading the flu include frequent handwashing and covering your mouth if you cough or sneeze," says Anne Sullivan, M.D., North Liberty UI Family Care Center. "Flu shots are about 70 percent effective in preventing influenza."

If you don't get a flu shot and the flu is breaking out all around you, contact your health care professional. According to Sullivan there are several prescription drugs that may help protect you from the flu.

If you do get the flu, call your health care provider to be sure that what you have is the flu. Generally, the diagnosis can be made from your symptoms. Bed rest and over-the-counter medications may be all you need to see you through your bout with the flu. In case you have a severe case of the flu, your doctor can chart the best course of treatment for you. There are several prescription drugs available to treat the symptoms of some types of flu.

It is important to drink a lot of liquids, Sullivan says. "Drink water, juice, and non-caffeinated drinks. When you have a high fever, your body needs much more liquid than when you are healthy."

If you have a health-related question, or to make an appointment, call UI Health Access - 800- 777-8442 or 384-8442.

More information:

• www.cdc.gov - Click on Health Topics A-Z, then influenza

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