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Scientists Probe the Mysteries of Flu Season
by
findingDulcinea Staff
A recent study finds that the flu virus flourishes in cold temperatures, a conclusion that emphasizes the need for effective seasonal precautions.
30-Second Summary
Researchers in New York found that influenza viruses function best in colder temperatures, such as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and are neutralized when temperatures reach the high 80s.
For years, researchers have posited theories about why winter brings on the flu season. Jonathan McCullers, a flu researcher at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, who was not one of the study’s authors, spoke to The New York Times about one probable cause.
“We know one of the largest factors is kids in school—most of the major epidemics are traced to children,” McCullers said in a Dec. 5 article. “But that still does not explain wintertime. We don’t see flu in September and October.”
Influenza is caused by a number of viral strains that circle the globe each year. The illness is mostly an annoyance for healthy adults, but can be deadly to certain groups, such as the very old, the very young, and those with weakened immune systems.
More than 30,000 Americans die from flu each year, and another 200,000 end up in the hospital because of complications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu shots and frequent hand-washing are among the keys to staying healthy.
For years, researchers have posited theories about why winter brings on the flu season. Jonathan McCullers, a flu researcher at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, who was not one of the study’s authors, spoke to The New York Times about one probable cause.
“We know one of the largest factors is kids in school—most of the major epidemics are traced to children,” McCullers said in a Dec. 5 article. “But that still does not explain wintertime. We don’t see flu in September and October.”
Influenza is caused by a number of viral strains that circle the globe each year. The illness is mostly an annoyance for healthy adults, but can be deadly to certain groups, such as the very old, the very young, and those with weakened immune systems.
More than 30,000 Americans die from flu each year, and another 200,000 end up in the hospital because of complications, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Flu shots and frequent hand-washing are among the keys to staying healthy.
Headlines: ‘Study Shows Why the Flu Likes Winter’
The New York Times reports on a study that could explain why the winter marks the flu season. It turns out the influenza virus functions better at cold temperatures.
Source: The New York Times
The original study, “Influenza Virus Transmission is Dependent on Relative Humidity and Temperature,” was published in PLoS Pathogens, a Public Library of Science periodical. Access is free.
Source: PLoS Pathogens
Reference Material: The flu, differences between colds and the flu, remedies, and when to stay home
The CDC has a page on the seasonal flu with basic information and links to articles for specific groups, such as parents, adults with asthma, and people with HIV/AIDS.
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WebMD has a table that compares symptoms, prevention, treatments and complications for colds and the flu.
Source: WebMD
WebMD has a five-question test to help determine whether someone should stay home or go to work. Staying at home when ill can help a person recover more quickly and help keep co-workers healthy.
Source: WebMD
The American Lung Association has a page dedicated to debunking the myths about colds and flu. “Starve a cold, feed a fever” is one of them, so someone with a cold is not prohibited from eating.
Source: The American Lung Association
Family Doctor.org, an American Academy of Family Physicians site, has tips on treating colds and the flu. It also describes when someone should call his physician or consider going to the emergency room.
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
Related Link: Bird flu vaccine and chicken soup
In April, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first human vaccine for avian flu, but the effectiveness of the drug is only partial
Source: findingDulcinea
Chicken soup really does help relieve cold symptoms by decreasing inflammation, according to a study at Nebraska Medical Center. The Chicago Tribune reported that chicken soup and other foods can help your immune system in ways supplements can’t because of the antioxidants foods contain. The article also has recipes for a mushroom barley stew and Australian butternut squash soup.
Source: The Chicago Tribune (free registration may be required)
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