Influenza [posted 8/13/98]
Question: If the flu is a bacterial infection, why are antibiotics not prescribed by my physician?

Answer: Influenza is a virus. There is an antibiotic that works on Influenza A, that is Ranitidine. Hemophilis Influenza is a bacteria responsible for pneumonia and respiratory/ear infections. This is a bacteria not to be confused with Influenza Virus.

Influenza
Question: Why is there a flu season? Why does the season have a beginning and ending? Does it have anything to do with the weather?

Answer: Influenza virus is the cause of the "flu". Other Similar viruses can produce similar symptoms; but, are not the cause of "flu". Influenza tends to be very infectious and spread rapidly. Immunity once the disease is contracted lasts about 1-2 years. Consequently, the disease tends to enter a community and spread rapidly among those without immunity. This produces a wave type effect and once the affected individuals are over the disease the season "passes". Weather has little to do with influenza-except it does tend to be seasonal and seen in northern climes between December to February.
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