Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Flu causes

           By flu or cold we understand a series of viral infection, highly contagious, upper respiratory. Most of them are caused by rinovirusuri - invisible particles from the air they breathe or that we get in contact through contaminated objects.
           When we contract a cold, it measn that the flu virus has fixated on the nasal mucous membranes, mouth or eye. Unlike skin, mucous membrane is not a barrier against germs, but is rather an environment for them.
           Viruses can get into mucous from inhalation of contaminated particles (for example, if a person with flu coughs, sneezes or talks). A cold is transmitted by contact with an infected person's hands or contaminated objects (glasses, towels, utensils, toys, etc..) One can get the virus into the organism if he takes his hands to his mouth, nose or eyes.
           In spring and autumn-winter, colds are more common. People spend more time indoors and in winter the air is dry and draining the nasal mucosa becomes more susceptible to infection. Cold and exposure to cold and draft is not the direct cause for flu. Instead, it can weaken the immune system and become an indirect cause. Same stress or other factors can lead to decreased immunity.
           For summer colds cases one of the reasons is the air conditioning. The low temperature given by the air conditioning system contrasts severely with the outside temperature. Thus, this difference in temperature translates into a real shock. Allso air conditioning creates dry nasal mucosa, thus favoring the sticking of various viruses.
          Once found in the upper respiratory tract, the virus multiplies rapidly (8-12 hours) and the specific symptoms appear.
 

Friday, October 29, 2010

First symptoms

Cold symptoms usually appear between 1-3 days after exposure to a virus.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Runny nose, especially aqueous
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Mild headache pain
- Fever (elevated temperature with a degree above normal temperature)
- Mild fatigue
- Excessive tearing

Cold or flu?
In the event of a flu, the whole body is affected: muscle pain, fever, headach.
Instead, the cold is manifested by:
- Runny nose
- Fever and headaches are more rare and less intense
- Pain, fatigue and weakness are less important