Influenza or flu occurs in epidemic form once or twice each winter. Colds you catch all the time. What is the difference between a bad cold and the flu? In real life, the difference is that with a cold you have a sore throat, runny nose and nasal congestion. With the flu, you feel as if you are going to die.

The flu virus has the ability to change a little with each change and so the flu that emerges each year is a little different from other years.

This is why it is not possible to produce a one-time vaccine that will give immunity forever, as is the case with many other diseases. The onset of flu is often quite sudden. You may go to work feeling fine and by evening be ready to call an ambulance. Many people around you will probably have the same symptoms and you usually realize what is happening.

The generalized symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, weakness and fatigue. You feel sick, your whole body hurts. In addition to this you may have the localized symptoms similar to those of a cold, the congestion and runny nose. Symptoms last for five to eight days and recovery may be as fast as the onset.

Patients whose bodies are weakened by other illnesses or who are prone to chest problems may develop complications following the flu. Older patients and children are more at risk of developing these problems.

Having the vaccine every year is a good strategy, although the effect of the antibodies lessen with time, some of the antibodies acquired in previous years may help moderate attacks in future years.

There is an added reason to immunize this year. If and when the flu season starts there will be a natural fear in the community that this is not the flu but is a re-emerging SARS virus. At the present time it is very difficult, in the early stages of infection, to be sure what virus is attacking you.

There is no good treatment for the flu. Anti-viral drugs are available, which may shorten the illness. Treatment is directed at trying to comfort the body while the immune system goes to work. Rest and plenty of fluids are the central elements of care.

Acetominophen (Tylenol or Panadol) is helpful in keeping the fever under control and helping with the muscle aches. Aspirin is not as helpful and should NEVER be given to children.You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Wheezing or difficulty breathing; coughing up yellow or green sputum for more than a day or two; sore throat with neck tenderness; fever over 39.5C (103F) or over 38.5C (101.3F) that lasts for more than 2 days.

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