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Cold and Flu
Questions and answers about the "Common Cold"; symptoms in the upper respiratory tract like sneezing, scratchy throat, and runny nose, but adults don't typically have fevers. Colds are usually caused by the rhinovirus (up to 40% of colds), or Coronaviruses (about 20%), but there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. Also questions about the seasonal flu, also called "regular flu", caused mostly by Type A and Type B Influenza viruses. Flu starts with similar symptoms as a cold only it hits faster and harder and usually includes fever in adults. Although the "stomach flu" is a common term, it is not a real diagnosis. The proper medical term for stomach flu is gastroenteritis (an intestinal disease, sometimes viral but also bacterial), it is often mistaken for influenza because the flu can sometimes include vomiting and diarrhea.
4,331 Questions
Where does influenza occur the most?
Influenza spreads widely across the globe with outbreaks somewhere in the world at any given time. The location of the world's most concentrated number of cases can vary year to year. People who live closely together are among the hardest hit by an influenza outbreak since crowded conditions help to get the virus particles dispersed among more people who in turn disperse more. The elderly, age 65 and over, suffer the most cases in most influenza outbreaks and epidemics. The highest percentage of deaths from influenza is also in the elderly demographic group.
People should practice sanitary conditions and frequent hand washing to avoid the spread of a virus, like influenza.
How long can the Swine Flu virus survive in the air?
Most sources indicate that once in the air, the viruses would drop onto surfaces and not stay floating in the air for any length of time since they are carried in the air on respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, and the weight of the droplets would cause them to fall. We know that some viruses can stay active 2 hours or longer* on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. The time of viability of the viruses is affected greatly by the humidity in the location where they have been transferred to the surfaces. The drier the air, the shorter the time they are able to remain active and infect our cells to replicate.
From the CDC and Flu.Gov web pages:
The H1N1 virus is new. Research is being conducted to better understand its characteristics. Studies have shown that flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2 to 8 hours after being left on items like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) says :
"The flu virus can live on a hard surface for up to 24 hours, and a soft surface for around 20 minutes."
*Different time frames are found referenced about the length of time viruses can remain viable on surfaces outside a living host. It is also often quoted that they can "live" for 24 to 48 hours on nonporous environmental surfaces and less than 12 hours on porous surfaces before becoming inert. This is being studied for the specific length of time H1N1/09 can stay active outside a host but the results of those studies are not yet back.
See also the related question section below for the question asking if swine flu is "airborne".
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. You can also get influenza by touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
What is the fatality rate for influenza?
For most forms of Influenza with no pre-existing health problems, the mortality rate is less than a quarter of a percent, or about 1 in 400. Cause of death is mostly due to respiratory failure, usually associated with secondary infections. (pneumonia etc..)
Patients with compromised immune systems, the very young and very old, are much more susceptible.
Some (rare) forms of influenza have much elevated mortality rates. Asian bird flu (H5N1) may have a mortality as high as 70%.
The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) outbreak is of normal virulence at present, but its similarity in structure and origin to the 1918 pandemic flu has raised worldwide concern.
What is the called when your cough end with a whoop?
A cough that ends with a whoop is called pertussis, also known as whooping cough. This highly contagious bacterial infection causes severe coughing fits that end with a distinctive "whooping" sound as the person tries to inhale. Vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis.
What shape is the common cold virus?
There are more than 200 viruses that cause the "common cold". 40% of common colds are caused by the rhinovirus. It is a member of the picornavirus family and is small, icosahedral (a 20-faced polyhedron), non-enveloped virus containing one positive RNA strand. Another type of virus that commonly causes a cold is the coronavirus, which causes approximately 20% of common colds. Coronaviruses are pleomorphic (take different forms over the life cycle), but spherical in shape with large, widely spaced club-shaped peplomers.
Who are the most common victims for influenza?
The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of complications from influenza. These groups are considered to be the most common victims of the flu.
Does equine influenza harm horses?
Yes, equine influenza can harm horses by causing respiratory symptoms such as coughing, nasal discharge, and fever. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and other complications. Vaccination and good biosecurity practices are important for preventing and managing equine influenza.
Yes, pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Prompt medical treatment is essential to prevent complications and reduce the risk of death.
What are the uses for viruses?
Viruses are used to kill cancer cells
Viruses are used for anti-ageing
Viruses are Used to Grow more energy efficient Batteries
What can happen if you eat food that contains germs?
Eating food that contains germs can lead to foodborne illnesses such as food poisoning. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, it can result in dehydration and require medical attention.
What is the difference between bacterial intoxication versus bacterial infection?
Bacterial intoxication is caused by ingesting toxins produced by bacteria in contaminated food, leading to symptoms of food poisoning. Bacterial infection occurs when harmful bacteria invade and multiply within the body, causing symptoms such as fever, inflammation, and other systemic effects.
NO! They dont sneeze, but if they have a virus they arent eye grabbing and have less color. im dumb.
Of course plants sneeze try it just use pepper
Yes, influenza still occurs every year, typically during the winter months. It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can lead to mild to severe symptoms, and occasionally even death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent influenza and its complications.
Does a virus need a host cell?
Yes, they implant their DNA into a cell. The DNA tells the cell to replicate the virus inside itself. When the cell is full of the virus, it explodes, releasing viruses all around the targeted area.
What does a virus ultimately do to the host cell?
Viruses hijack the host cell's machinery to replicate their own genetic material, produce new virus particles, and eventually cause the host cell to burst, releasing the new viruses to infect other cells. This process ultimately leads to cell death and can cause harm to the larger organism.
Influenza is indeed aerobic because it can be transmitted through the air
No, influenza is an infectious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk.
What kingdom is the common cold virus in?
The common cold virus, or rhinovirus, belongs to the kingdom Viruses. Viruses are not classified under any kingdom in traditional biological classification systems because they are considered acellular and do not fit the criteria for living organisms.
Does the sun help a common cold?
UV rays can destroy some types of viruses on common surfaces. Sunlight can help your mood and, in turn, make a cold feel less miserable. Too much sun and it can make things worse by elevating the temperature, drying out mucous tissues and causing fluid loss from heat, sweating and sunburn. Like nearly everything, sunlight can be both good for you and it can be bad for you. Balance is key. Drink extra fluids if you are in the sun and avoid long exposures.
Influenza is unicellular or multicellular?
Influenza is not a cell, it is a respiratory disease caused by a type of viruses, called influenza viruses. Viruses are not cells, they are sub-microscopic organisms that are non-living and disease-causing in humans, animals, and plants as well as in some bacteria.
Yes. The US is weakening form a financial point of view. The national debt is going up with no chance that it can ever be repaid. We have runaway inflation the dollar in only worth about 8 cents, and going down all the time. Remember when it only cost 3 cents to mail a letter. Now it is 42 cents. We are in a Depression. Even one hundred year old companies like Ford and GM are about to go under. The US could collapse like the USSR. I know people think that could never happen. Well look what happened to the Roman Empire. They though that would never happen.
Is influenza single strand or double strand RNA?
It is single stranded RNA. Importantly, it is also a segmented genome that allows it to have large genetic diversity.
In a weak mayor system the executive power is held by the?
In a weak mayor system, the executive power is typically held by an appointed city manager or by the city council as a whole, rather than by the mayor. The mayor's role is often ceremonial or limited to presiding over council meetings.
How does a new strain of a virus form?
Through mutation of an existing virus into new forms. Usually, there is mutation of the protein coating of the virus that results in a new strain. The new strain may or may not be infectious to the same group or organism that was vulnerable to the original virus strain.
For a case example of how new viruses form, see the related question below that explains in detail what caused the new 2009 Pandemic Swine Flu virus. Also see the related question about the Lytic Cycle, which is the process that viruses use to attach to cells and reproduce.
