Influenza
Alternative names:
Asian flu; Asian flu type A; Asian flu type B; flu; Influenza
A; Influenza B
Definition:
A viral infection of the respiratory
tract that causes fever,
headache, muscle
aches, and weakness.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
There are three types of influenza virus. All are spread
from person to person by inhaling infected droplets from the
air.
- Type A is usually responsible for the large outbreaks
and is a constantly changing virus. New strains of Type
A virus develop regularly and result in a new epidemic every
few years.
- Types B and C are fairly stable viruses. Type B causes
smaller outbreaks.
- Type C usually causes mild illness similar to the common
cold.
- The incidence is
seven out of 1,000 people.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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