Influenza is a highly contagious disease which starts spreading from the patient even before the symptoms are visible in the patient. There are chances of people getting affected without any symptoms.
The signs and symptoms of Influenza
The general symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, nasal congestion, body aches, fatigue, headache and watering eyes. It is very difficult to distinguish between a common cold and influenza in the early stages as the symptoms are very similar.
How to prevent the virus from spreading
There are effective ways to control the spread of influenza virus. Good personal health and hygiene habits prevent the virus from both spreading as well as affecting your own body.
Vaccination is the only way to protect the spread of influenza virus. More than 2,500 Australians die every year due to flu related problems so vaccination is very important for high-risk groups like the children and people suffering from asthma, diabetes or heart diseases. Healthcare workers are exposed to the virus throughout the year and can get affected from patients admitted in health care facilities. Unvaccinated workers may catch the influenza virus and spread it unknowingly. In order to stop this, it is necessary to vaccinate the health workers and educate them with details about the disease.
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