How to Prevent Influenza

General Purpose: Problem solving

Specific Purpose: I want the students to learn how to prevent influenza

Thesis Statement: Influenza can be prevented with simple preventive measures

INTRODUCTION:

Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is one of the most common infectious diseases. It can be deadly.

The flu affects everybody. It is a source of illness and death every flu season, which runs roughly through the fall and early winter months. Although for most people the infection is mild, since the early 1970s, researchers estimate that influenza has caused more than 40,000 deaths in the United States every year, according to the American Journal of Epidemiology.

BODY:

I (Problem)

The flu virus can be spread when the virus is sneezed or coughed into the air. Although simply being in a room with someone who has the flu is not a major risk factor. Infection occurs when a person has direct contact with the virus

A. There are several factors that influence the risk of being infected:

Level of immunity against a particular strain of influenza

Overall health of the person's immune system

Overall nutritional and general health status

Nutrition has recently been singled out as the most important factor in resistance to influenza infection

B The incubation period for the flu ranges from about 18 to 72 hours, depending on the strain and the effectiveness of the body's immune response. The weaker the person's immunity, the sooner it produces noticeable symptoms.

Symptoms of influenza include a high fever and sharp headache, and they often come on suddenly. The severity of these symptoms often peaks by the second day. After that, the fever usually subsides and symptoms begin to appear in the respiratory tract.

People who have weak immune systems, such as the elderly, sick people, or young children, can therefore be quickly overwhelmed by strong strains of the virus.

C

In the case of the influenza virus, antibodies against the flu are detected in the second week after primary infection. These antibodies will help protect against similar strains of the flu in the future.

II (Solution)

The best approach to the flu is to avoid getting sick in the first place.

A. Here a the steps to avoid catching the flu virus:

Get a flu vaccine, however, this only helps against specific strains and it is not 100% protection

Take nutrients or vitamin supplements that have been shown to enhance the immune system, such as vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Zinc

Get enough sleep, reduce stress, and exercise

Some herbs that have been shown to help are Echinacea, elderberry, and ginseng

Wash your hands