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The flu virus is an illness that has caused millions of people physical misery throughout the ages. In the United States, we've eradicated small pox, cholera, typhoid, even trichinosis; yet one illness that still remains somewhat of an anomaly, despite millions being spent on research for its prevention, is influenza.

Up until the 1930s, scientists weren't even sure of what actually caused the flu; common knowledge before then attributed it to "bad air" and cold weather.

This misconception is understandable, since it strikes at the same time each year (in the winter months). And while cold weather doesn't CAUSE the ailment, the fact that most of us spend our time indoors during those months means that we provide a fertile breeding ground for the bug. Airborne, the virus is spread through mucus and saliva; the closer people are in proximity to one another, the more swiftly and radically the illness spreads. Additionally, the virus can live for longer periods of time indoors.

The presentation of the flu is similar to that of the rhinovirus (common cold), but apart from those few similarities, there really is no mistaking the influenza virus, once it hits.

After infection, the incubation period lasts three to four days, and the symptoms hit the victim like a semi. The patient suffers from a sore throat, dry cough, chills and body aches that make normal activity absolutely impossible; fevers can spike up to 104-106 degrees F.

While the actual illness may last for only a matter of days, the weakness and fatigue that accompany the illness can last up to several weeks.

For the most part, the flu hits the public on a regional basis, lasts for a few weeks, then burns itself out. Up to 5-10% of the population is affected during these regional episodes (unlike pandemics, which last for several months, are worldwide, and which affect up to 28% of the population).

For the most part, seasonal flu is predictable; the Center for Disease Control has put together vaccines every year based on the Type A flu virus, since it is the most severe form of the illness. Through study and observation, the vaccine is developed around the Type A flu that is expected to be the most prevalent during the upcoming season.

For now, prevention is the best defense against the flu; the CDC recommends that adults who have chronic lung problems (such as asthma and bronchitis), as well as the elderly should especially be vaccinated.

Even if you decide to be vaccinated, make sure you take extra care to wash your hands, and try to avoid putting unwashed hands around the nose, eyes, and mouth.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Stockton.
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