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[[File:Flu und legende.jpg|right|240px]]

[[File:Flu und legende.jpg|right|240px]]

'''Influenza''' or '''flu''' is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza [[virus]]es. It is spread from one person to another through tiny droplets that are released into the air when a person infected with the flu coughs or sneezes.<ref>It can be spread from contact with infected birds, pigs or other animals.</ref>. Winter is the worst season. Influenza caused a deadly worldwide pandemic in 1918-1919, as populations were weakened in the aftermatch of World War I. Over 20 million died worldwide.   

'''Influenza''' or '''flu''' is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza [[virus]]es. It is spread from one person to another through tiny droplets that are released into the air when an infected person flu coughs or sneezes.<ref>It can be spread from contact with infected birds, pigs or other animals.</ref>. Winter is the worst season. Influenza caused a deadly worldwide pandemic in 1918-1919, as populations were weakened in the aftermatch of World War I. Over 20 million died worldwide.   

A worldwide H1N1 "swine flu" epidemic is underway in 2009, caused by a new strain; so far the deaths from the new strain have been few. It is highly infectious and people with the symptoms should stay home.  A typical case lasts up to one week, and a person can infect others one day before they begin experiencing symptoms and up to five days after they become sick.

A worldwide H1N1 "swine flu" epidemic is underway in 2009, caused by a new strain; so far the deaths from the new strain have been few.  

 

The normal flue and swine flue are similar in their effects; both are highly infectious and people with the symptoms should stay home.  A typical case lasts up to one week, and on average a person can infect others one day before they begin experiencing symptoms and up to five days after they become sick.

There is no cure--despite fake remedies sold on the internet. Once someone is already infected, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) can help relieve the severity of disease if taken within 48 hours.  

There is no cure--despite fake remedies sold on the internet. Once someone is already infected, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) can help relieve the severity of disease if taken within 48 hours.  

==Medical==

==Medical==

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. In normal years in the U.S. on average 5% to 20% of the population catches the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Victims who are over age 70, under age 5, oe with  diabetes, heart disease, or asthma are at high risk for dangerous flu complications.

Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. In normal years in the U.S. on average 5% to 20% of the population catches the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Victims who are over age 70, under age 5, or with  diabetes, heart disease, or asthma are at high risk for dangerous flu complications.

===Telling the difference between flu and a common cold===

===Telling the difference between flu and a common cold===