Common cold, influenza or shortly flu is a result of a viral infection of the respiratory tract. The first case of influenza was in the 30-s of the 20th century. After that flu was classified into types A, B, C.

Influenza type A is the most common one and effects most dangerous epidemics. Influenza type B does also cause different epidemics, but they are milder comparing to the ones of type A. Viruses of type C have never caused any serious epidemics.

 

The flu symptoms can be monitored rather fast: 1 to 4 days after getting infected. They include: fever, headaches, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, dry cough, body aches.

 

The recovery may take up to 2 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection, but there are case of after-cold complications like pneumonia. In order to prevent flu, annual influenza vaccination is recommended. Furthermore, a healthy way of life, corresponding nutrition (food enriched with proteins, vitamins and amino acids) and moderated exercises would be of a great help.