What Should You Not Eat When You Have the Flu? Topic Guide

Bronchitis is a disease of the respiratory system in which the bronchial passages become inflamed. There are two types of bronchitis, acute and chronic. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include frequent cough with mucus, lack of energy, wheezing, and possible fever. Treatment may require medication such as bronchial inhalers and predinsone. Supportive treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms with fever reducers, cough suppressants, and rest. Treatment may be more aggressive in patients with pre-existing conditions such as emphysema, COPD, or cigarette smoking.

A mutation to the bird flu virus could result in an influenza strain that afflicts not only birds, but humans, too. So far, the only humans to contract bird flu have been in contact with infected birds and other contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, pneumonia, eye infection, muscle aches, and cough. Antiviral drugs are a form of treatment that lessens the length and severity of the flu.

Children may become infected with influenza by inhaling infected droplets in the air or if they come in contact with secretions from an infected person. Symptoms in children include a high-grade fever up to 104 F, chills, headaches, sore throat, cough, and muscle aches. Treatment of flu in children involves rest, increased fluid intake, treating fever with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, using a humidifier, and using a rubber suction bulb to remove nasal secretions in younger children.

Flu (influenza) is an acute infection of the nose and throat airways. This infection may spread to the lungs. Flu is the most frequent cause of acute respiratory infection in people of all ages. Symptoms of the flu include fever, severe aches and pains, headache, dry cough, sore throat, and at times vomiting and nausea. Treatment for the flu includes home remedies such as OTC pain relievers, rest, and hydration. Medical treatment for the flu includes antiviral medications.

Prior to 2009, swine flu was a form of influenza that predominately affected swine. The virus was not easily transmitted to humans. However, the swine flu virus has mutated, allowing for person-to-person transmission. Swine flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, and cough. Infected individuals may also experience fatigue, headache, chills, or body aches. Lab testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis of swine flu. Treatment may involve oseltamivir or zanimivir.