Despite what we often hear, flu and colds are not the same thing! One only has to think about the ravages of the Spanish flu, for instance, to understand the seriousness of the complications associated with a flu pandemic.

The flu is different from a cold in the feeling of generalized discomfort it causes - muscle pain, severe fatigue, high fever - in addition to the usual cold symptoms.

The flu is an infection caused by one of three types of influenza virus.

Only types A and B cause epidemics like those which occur from December to March in Canada. Thus, type C will not be discussed in this article.

While nausea and vomiting may accompany the usual flu symptoms in children, the flu should not be confused with gastroenteritis. Remember - there's no such thing as stomach flu!. If only the digestive system is affected, an influenza virus is not the cause. Therefore, it is not the flu.

Fortunately, our bodies defend themselves against viruses by developing antibodies. This is good news, since once developed, these antibodies provide lifelong protection. Somewhat like product warranties, however, this protection only applies to a specific virus or antigen. Our body must thus build a line of defense for each virus. This is the principle science uses to produce vaccines.

The ideal vaccine would contain antigens for every strain of flu virus. Unfortunately, such a vaccine could never be produced. This is why, each year, the health authorities must determine which three strains are most likely to be found throughout the world during the coming year. if these predictions are correct, the vaccine will be effective in 70% to 90% of people. However, there are sometimes unknown factors which invalidate such predictions and render the vaccine ineffective. This is the case when viral mutations occur. In this instance, we say that it is a bad flu or that there is a pandemic, i.e. a worldwide epidemic.

Young people in perfect health are not at risk for developing complications and are able to produce antibodies. This is why the vaccine is not usually intended for them. It is, however, recommended that the people described in the table below be vaccinated each year, before the end of November. Pregnant women who expect to deliver during the first half of the year should ask their doctor whether they should be vaccinated for the flu.

Yes, if you:

· are over 65, even if you are in perfect health

· have one of the following chronic illnesses (children with a chronic illness can be vaccinated from the age of six months):

· lung disease

· heart disease

· kidney disease

· diabetes

· immune disorders (drugs, HIV-AIDS)

· anemia

· cancer

· cystic fibrosis

· travel a great deal

· live or work in a location with ho number of the individuals described here

· look after one of the target groups described here professionally or otherwise)

The flu virus is passed from one person to another in the same way as a cold (primarily via the hands and the surrounding air). It is stronger and more easily spread to new victims during the first two days of the illness when the virus is multiplying and the symptoms are not yet very obvious.

Air travellers are often responsible for the migration of new strains of the virus from one location to another. The first waves of infection usually come from children in day care or at school. These two target groups should take special precautions as soon as the first symptoms appear, in order to avoid bringing the infection home, where the second wave of infection can have serious consequences.

Wash your hands on a regular basis with soap and wafer for at least 15 seconds (antibacterial soaps are not more effective

Avoid shaking hands if either you or the other person is infected.

Do not use glasses, pencils, telephones or other devices that someone may have placed near his nose or mouth.

Use tissues and paper towels which can be disposed of without being handled by others.

Wear a surgical mask or stay at home, away from other people, as soon as the first symptoms appear.

While the flu is much more unpleasant than a cold, the basic treatment modalities are the same. A period of rest, during which the affected individual drinks plenty of fluids and eats well, remains the cornerstone of treatment.

Two new prescription drugs have recently been approved to shorten the length of flu episodes in adults. Zanamivir (which must be inhaled) and oseltamivir (which is taken by mouth) are effective against the two types of virus (A and B) concerned.

A recent study even showed that starting oseltamivir within 12 hours of the onset of flu symptoms can reduce the duration of a flu by up to three days.

Since the inhaled zanamivir powder may aggravate breathing problems it should not be used in people who have any kind of lung disease.

It is also important to know that the drugs do not replace the flu vaccine, which is still the best defense against the flu They are, however, very useful when the vaccine is unsuccessful in preventing the flu.

The sooner these drugs are started the better they work. See your doctor immediately when the flu hits.

The purpose of treating the flu is to prevent complications, such as otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia. The latter can he especially dangerous and - for some - even fatal. In the event of a cough and persistent fever, don't hesitate to see a doctor.

Inhaling steam and the intranasal or oral use of salt water solutions (½ teaspoon of salt in 250 mL of boiled water) provide a degree of relief for the respiratory symptoms.

Acetaminophen 650 to 1000 mg every four hours is very useful to relieve muscle pain and control body temperature. The use of aspirin should be avoided in children. Ask your pharmacist for the acetaminophen dose to use in children.

Remember that over the counter medicines help reduce the intensity of symptoms but they do not provide a cure. Only prescription drugs can shorten a course of the flu.