Seasonal InfluenzaSeasonal influenza, by definition, comes to an area every year, during the flu season of that country. Different countries have different flu seasons.For example, in the US, most people get the flu during "flu season", which is roughly from November through March. In the US, you can keep track of the weekly flu count on the CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website at
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
Photo courtesy of Erich Ferdinand What is Seasonal Flu?Seasonal flu is a yearly outbreak of flu infection, caused by a flu virus. It affects the nose, throat and lungs (respiratory tract) of the infected person.Unlike simple viruses like the common cold, the flu, even the seasonal influenza, can have deadly complications. Most often, a specific flu virus can be predicted from one year to the next--because seasonal flu viruses are similar to each other in many ways. Scientists predict which flu virus will circulate during flu season, and they create vaccines to prevent it. The seasonal flu is somewhat different every year, because flu viruses are always changing. However, seasonal influenza viruses are also similar to each other in many genetic aspects. That's why scientists can predict, from year to year, which flu virus is likely to infect people. Vaccine Protection for Seasonal FluHowever, because flu viruses change so frequently, you won't be protected from this year's seasonal flu if you had a flu vaccination last flu season.In order to get protection from seasonal flu this year, you would need to get the current influenza vaccine--which was developed to protect against the strain of flu that scientists have predicted will emerge this year. Most people have some immunity to seasonal influenza. If they get the seasonal flu, they may get sick—but, they do not need to be hospitalized, and they will get well. Healthy adults usually do not have any complications from seasonal flu. Keep in mind that, if it would give you peace of mind, you can consult with a live doctor and get personal doctors online advice , usually within just a few minutes of asking your question. Symptoms of Seasonal FluSeasonal flu symptoms are more intense than those of an ordinary cold, and they normally last for a week or two. Here are the symptoms you might have with seasonal flu:
Complications of Seasonal FluVery young children and elderly adults can experience complications, like pneumonia. This is often because they have other medical problems that make them more vulnerable.Complications from the seasonal flu should not be taken lightly, though. Each year--in the US alone--5 to 20% of the population gets the seasonal flu. Of the people who get sick from the flu virus, 200,000 end up being hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die each year. As you can see, seasonal influenza is a flu virus infection that recurs yearly, based on a country's “flu season”, which is usually its winter. The flu virus is different every year, but most people have some immunity to the flu because they have had it (or been exposed to it) before. Having the seasonal flu is worse than a cold, but not nearly as bad a having a pandemic flu! You can get a LIVE and personal answer to your question about seasonal flu at
doctors online advice.
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