Flu Articles
Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to flu including topics such as flu shots, avian flu symptoms, and flu. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.
The avian flu, while rare in humans, is becoming endemic in Asia and Europe, especially the H5N1 strain. This page on the eMedTV website discusses the avian flu in birds and humans, including how it is transmitted and possible vaccines.
The flu, a highly contagious respiratory infection, causes cough and fever in people who have it. This eMedTV segment offers a detailed look at the flu, including who is most at risk from it and how outbreaks occur.
The 1918 flu caused the highest number of known flu deaths worldwide, estimated at 50 million to 100 million people. This eMedTV article includes information and statistics related to the 1918 flu and explores whether it could happen again.
The 20th century has seen several instances of pandemic flu, which, as this eMedTV page explains, is due to a new virus subtype causing illness on a global scale. Several organizations are working on a preparedness plan for the next pandemic flu.
Flu shots, as this segment of the eMedTV archives explains, are based on both current and expected flu viruses. They do not cause the flu. Flu shots can be obtained at supermarkets, drugstores, and doctors' offices, among other places.
A pandemic is an infectious disease affecting the majority of the population of a large region. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at what is and isn't a pandemic and provides links to specific pandemics throughout history.
The flu shot contains inactive viruses that are currently in circulation and viruses that are expected to circulate the following winter. This eMedTV article explains who should get a flu shot, where it can be obtained, and potential side effects.
Flu symptoms (sore throat, fever, chills) tend to be more severe and last longer than cold symptoms. This eMedTV segment explains flu symptoms in detail, including potential complications in adults, teenagers, and children.
The virus that caused the Spanish flu was the influenza A (H1N1) virus -- an avian-like influenza virus derived from an unknown source. This eMedTV resource examines Spanish flu in detail, and describes its impact on the world's population.
Avian (bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally in birds such as chickens and ducks. This page in the eMedTV library discusses avian (bird) flu in detail, including symptoms, transmission methods, and possible vaccines.
Common symptoms of canine flu include fever, cough, and nasal discharge. This eMedTV article describes canine flu in detail, including information on treatment and prevention. There are no reported cases of the disease in humans.
Avian flu symptoms range from cough, fever, or sore throat to viral pneumonia and upper respiratory distress. This section of the eMedTV archives describes possible avian flu symptoms, from the mild to the potentially life threatening ones.
Tamiflu is a prescription drug used to treat and prevent the flu. This eMedTV resource offers a general overview of this medication, including information on possible side effects and what to do if you miss a dose.
This eMedTV resource describes each influenza pandemic in the 20th century and explains how it differs from a seasonal outbreak of the disease. Namely, an influenza pandemic is defined by the global spread of a new type A subtype among humans.
The flu virus is not only highly contagious; it's also highly changeable, which helps it to spread quickly from person to person. This eMedTV resource explains the history of the flu virus, how it spreads, and the subtypes.
Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu, can be used to both prevent the flu from occurring and reduce the duration of associated symptoms. This eMedTV page explains four types of antiviral drugs, including their uses, side effects, and precautions.
Common side effects with Tamiflu can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This portion of the eMedTV library describes several side effects that can occur in children and adults who are taking the drug. Most Tamiflu side effects are mild.
The dog flu is caused by a strain of the influenza virus that first appeared in horses. As this eMedTV article explains, symptoms of dog flu include cough and fever, and the prognosis is generally favorable with appropriate treatment.
Flu treatment, as this eMedTV article explains, generally involves rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking pain-relievers. Four new drugs have been approved for flu treatment as well, of which Tamiflu is one.
Flu medicine, such as Tamiflu, Flumadine, and Relenza, can be used to both prevent the flu and treat associated symptoms. This eMedTV article discusses types of flu medicine in detail, including how they work and potential side effects.