what+i+know+about+the+flu+EAT

Summarize (in complete sentences) what you know about these flu topics. (A brief paragraph for each)
 * Why is the flu a serious disease?
 * The flu is a serious disease for many different reasons. One of the main reasons it is so serious is because it is so contagious. The flu is easily spread to people of all ages. When the virus infects people 65 and older they could die. The virus is also dangerous for young kids or people with weak immune systems. The flu is responsible for approximately 34,00 deaths each year in the U.S. The flu is constantly changing. There will never be two flu viruses the same. Once you have the flu you are also more susceptible to getting other viruses, such as pneumonia. The flu takes several weeks to "run its course" through your body, and can therefore leave you at risk for catching other illnesses for a very long time. Another reason the flu is so serious is because it is easily spread before the infected subject even knows they have the virus. There are more than one type of flu virus circulating during the flu season. The main reasons the flu is so serious is because it is a disease that hangs around for a long time and makes you susceptible to other viruses, and because it is easily spread to elderly people who could potentially die from the disease.
 * How is the flu spread?
 * The flu is spread easily and in many different ways. The main way someone catches the flu is by breathing in air that an infected person has released. Once the person releases the air the virus particles are in the air, and another person inhales the virus. The virus then attaches to cells in the lungs. The virus also spreads through coughing or sneezing which releases the virus in the air. The virus can also be on public places (doorknobs or phones) and if a person touches the infected area they can be infected with the virus by: touching their mouth, nose, or eyes. Another way of getting the virus is through bodily contact such as, kissing or shaking hands. Once the virus enters the body it quickly begins multiplying, and eventually kill all the cells it comes in contact with. The virus is most commonly spread during school while kids are in close quarters, sharing air and touching all the same objects. The virus is spread mainly through the air when someone releases the virus into the air and someone near them inhales the virus through their nose or mouth, and eventually become infected themselves. The flu is highly contagious and is capable of spreading to people of all ages.
 * What are the benefits and risks of a flu vaccine?
 * The flu vaccine is a great way to help someone prevent the spread of the flu. One downside to the vaccination is that it is produced in eggs, and people with egg allergies are either unable to get the vaccination or have to get "desensitized" to eggs in order to receive the vaccination. The vaccine prevents flu related deaths. Each year many labs through out the world collect the flu virus- they pick the three most likely to spread to the U.S. and choose to make a vaccine for the virus. The labs choose two subtypes of A virus and one subtype of B virus that they think are most likely to be spread during flu season. You have to get a new flu vaccination each year because the virus changes from year to year. Your body takes up to two weeks to build-up its immunity to the virus, but in the meantime you are still at risk of getting the virus. The vaccination lasts for about 6 months, but its not guaranteed that you will be protected from the virus. Elderly people who are at risk of catching the flu should get the vaccination, as well as young children. You can either recieve the vaccination through a shot (which is a killed version of the virus), or a nasal spray (wich is a weakened version of the virus) and is only to be given to healthy people. The vaccination is a great way of preventing the spread of the flu virus and is also a great way to lessen your chances of catching the virus.