10 Common Pathogens
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Pathogen #9: Influenza
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It is commonly spread by infected people sneezing, which helps spray the virus around their environment. Symptoms include sneezing, fevers and chills and the disease will usually pass naturally within a few days or so. Treatment usually involves plenty of liquids and rest, while remedies are available that help soothe symptoms.
The flu should not be treated complacently, though. It can cause severe symptoms in vulnerable people and can even be fatal. Throughout history, the influenza virus has been responsible for millions of deaths with some epidemics that killed vast swathes of the human population in short time periods. It is recommended to get a flu shot every year.
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