Influenza


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Influenza

Influenza: Influenza, or flu as it is commonly known, is caused by certain strains of myxoviruses. These viruses attack the respiratory tract. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets produced contain the influenza virus. The virus enters a healthy person’s body when the person breathes in these infected droplets.

Symptoms: Fever (101°—104°F), shivering, cough, sneezing, weakness, headache and muscular aches are common to influenza caused by all strains of the virus.

Control: There is no specific medicine for influenza. Aspirin, bed rest and plenty of fluids provide relief.

Prevention: One can avoid catching the flu by keeping away from an infected person. Vaccines are available for specific types of influenza, but they are effective only against specific strains of the virus, and that too for a period of about one year. Scientists find it difficult to develop a vaccine that will provide general protection against influenza because of two reasons.

First, because it is difficult to produce a vaccine that is effective against all strains of virus causing influenza. Second, because these viruses mutate (change in nature) very rapidly, making a vaccine developed against a particular virus ineffective after a year or two.

Sample Questions
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Question : 1

How can we control Influenza ?

Right Option : D
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Question : 2

Which of the following is an example of a viral disease?

Right Option : A
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Question : 3

Which of the following are correct :

(a) Myxoviruses viruses attack the respiratory tract.

(b) When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the droplets produced contain the influenza virus.

(c) There is no specific medicine for influenza.

Right Option : D
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