In Jesus’ prophecy concerning the end of the present system of things, he foretold “outbreaks of disease in many places.” (Luke 21:11, The New Testament in Plain English) The flu, or influenza, has proved to be one such disease.

THE flu is caused by a virus, which is a microscopic agent that infiltrates living cells and commandeers their machinery to reproduce more viruses. The flu virus, which attacks the respiratory system, is passed from one person to another primarily in droplets of bodily fluids expelled when the infected person sneezes, coughs, or even talks. A pandemic occurs when an outbreak affects many people over a wide area.

Viruses affect not only humans but also animals and birds. Flu viruses are categorized as types A, B, or C. Type A is the most common cause of influenza. Virus strains are classified mainly according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).

The biggest concerns regarding flu viruses are that they may reproduce very rapidly with constantly changing variations and that different strains can combine and produce a new strain. If a strain is sufficiently unique, the human immune system may have no defenses against it.

The flu is usually more common during the colder months. Recent research indicates that at cool temperatures the outer membrane of a virus becomes a protective gel that prolongs the survival of the virus in the air but then melts in the higher temperatures of the human respiratory tract, causing infection. Cold air does not cause viral infections, but it can create the setting that helps them to spread.

Measures of Protection

Recognizing the need to be prepared, many governments have action plans already  in place. But what can you do? Let’s review three basic protective steps:

Strengthen the body: Make sure that your family gets sufficient sleep and eats foods that will help the body strengthen its defenses. Your diet should emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, which supply the amino acids needed to build up the immune system.

Create an environment unfriendly to germs: To the extent possible, keep your counters and tables thoroughly clean daily. Wash cooking and eating utensils after every use, and regularly wash bedclothes. Disinfect things that people touch: doorknobs, telephones, remote controls. Maintain good ventilation, if possible.

Practice good habits of personal cleanliness: Wash your hands diligently with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner. (If practical, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you.) Try not to share towels  with anyone for drying hands or face, not even with other family members.

Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. If possible, use disposable tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and throw them away immediately. Avoid sharing devices that can readily spread germs, such as telephones. Children need to be thoroughly trained in these practices. Such habits are good all the time but especially so during the flu season.

Show Consideration for Others

It is possible to start infecting others a day before you show any symptoms and up to five days after getting sick. Symptoms are similar to the common cold but much more intense. They include fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, and muscle aches. Runny nose and stomach symptoms​—such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—​are more common in children than in adults. If you have symptoms, stay home if possible and avoid infecting others.

Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Antiviral drugs can be helpful but only if taken soon after the onset of symptoms. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be given to children who have the flu. Seek emergency medical care if you show pneumonialike symptoms, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, or severe persisting headache.

Having the flu can be an unnerving event. Being prepared may help you get through it better. But more than that, you can look forward to the time when, as the Bible promises, “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”​—Isaiah 33:24.

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A SEVERE FORM OF FLU

The flu that was first identified in Mexico in 2009 is of the H1N1 variety, similar to the Spanish flu of 1918, which killed tens of millions. However, it also contains elements found in the viruses that affect pigs and birds.

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6 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

1. Cover that cough

2. Wash hands

3. Ventilate your home

4. Keep it clean

5. If sick, try to stay home

6. Avoid personal contact

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WHEN A HEALTH EMERGENCY OCCURS

First, follow instructions of health officials. Do not panic or overreact. Reinforce the good habits discussed here. If possible, avoid crowds of people. If you are sick, an appropriate face mask may be helpful. Clean your hands frequently. Have about two weeks’ worth of nonperishable food items on hand as well as health and hygiene products in case you cannot get to the store.

When at work, places of worship, or any place where you are around a lot of people, follow the suggestions provided. Also, try to keep your surroundings well ventilated.