Influence: Who is to blame?

It is always caused by a virus, but there are many risk factors.

A cold snap? So much stress and little rest? Pollution? The flu is always caused by a virus. Everything else must be considered a risk factor.

The flu is a very contagious respiratory disease, which usually strikes between December and March, although sometimes it begins to be felt as early as October.

It is caused by an infection of the airways (nose, throat, trachea, bronchi, lungs) by so-called influenza viruses.

It usually lasts three to five days, but the state of fatigue, which invariably accompanies it, can last for two or three weeks.

Three viruses responsible

The flu is due to viruses of the genus Orthomyxovirus; so far, three types have been identified, called A, B and C.

  • The A virus is the one capable of causing the most serious symptoms and is responsible for major epidemics of which we are victims every two or three years, as well as many “milder” influences.
  • The B virus is less prevalent and generally induces milder symptoms. However, it can also be the basis of major outbreaks every three or five years.
  • The C virus, on the other hand, induces a very mild form of flu, with symptoms similar to those of a cold and of little relevance.

All three types of virus can mutate, giving rise to new strains. This means that it is not possible to develop permanent immunity to influenza.

For this reason, every year, when this season arrives, even if our body has prepared antibodies against the flu virus of the previous year, it runs the risk of contracting a new infection.

Risk factors

There are conditions that can favor the onset of flu syndrome, although not the direct cause, because they weaken our body, thus favoring infection by influenza viruses. Here they are:

  • sudden changes in temperature;
  • cigarette smoke;
  • air pollution;
  • unbalanced diet;
  • stress;
  • lack of rest.

Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.

The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.

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