question: What exactly is influenza doing to my body right now that makes me so weak as I recover?
comment: The virus is breaking into your cells and using them to replicate themselves to then break into new cells. Your immune system starts working by raising your temperature to try and kill the virus and makes you sleepy so your body can have more energy to fight it. The virus isn't necessarily making you feel bad, it is your immune system working to kill it. Your stomach also probably hurts because digestion needs a lot of energy, so your digestion slows to give more energy to your immune system. Stay home, drink lots of fluids, and sleep. I'm just a nursing student though but I hope it helps! Hope you feel better!
passages: Side effects following intratumoral injection are limited to flu-like symptoms and resolve within 24 hours. Toxicology studies in New Zealand White rabbits (3 weekly i.v. doses of 10 PFU) showed that JX-594 was well tolerated, and no toxicologically significant effects were observed. There were no overt clinical signs, with the exception of ~5% of body weight loss by day 6 that was followed by a recovery by day 33.
  
  Section::::Pipeline.:JX-Next Generation.
   In one case, a boy with H5N1 experienced diarrhea followed rapidly by a coma without developing respiratory or flu-like symptoms. There have been studies of the levels of cytokines in humans infected by the H5N1 flu virus. Of particular concern is elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a protein associated with tissue destruction at sites of infection and increased production of other cytokines. Flu virus-induced increases in the level of cytokines is also associated with flu symptoms, including fever, chills, vomiting and headache. Tissue damage associated with pathogenic flu virus infection can ultimately result in death. The inflammatory cascade triggered by H5N1 has been called a 'cytokine storm' by some, because of what seems to be a positive feedback process of damage to the body resulting from immune system stimulation. H5N1 induces higher levels of cytokines than the more common flu virus types.
   Common symptoms of the flu such as fever, headaches, and fatigue are the result of the huge amounts of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines (such as interferon or tumor necrosis factor) produced from influenza-infected cells. In contrast to the rhinovirus that causes the common cold, influenza does cause tissue damage, so symptoms are not entirely due to the inflammatory response. This massive immune response might produce a life-threatening cytokine storm. This effect has been proposed to be the cause of the unusual lethality of both the H5N1 avian influenza, and the 1918 pandemic strain. However, another possibility is that these large amounts of cytokines are just a result of the massive levels of viral replication produced by these strains, and the immune response does not itself contribute to the disease. Influenza appear to trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis).
   Peramivir, an experimental anti-influenza drug, developed by BioCryst Pharmaceuticals has not yet been approved for sale in the United States. This drug can be given as an injection, so may be particularly useful in serious cases of influenza where the patient is unconscious and oral or inhaled drug administration is therefore difficult.
   Human flu symptoms usually include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, conjunctivitis and, in severe cases, severe breathing problems and pneumonia that may be fatal. The severity of the infection will depend in large part on the state of the infected person's immune system and if the victim has been exposed to the strain before, and is therefore partially immune. Recent follow up studies on the impact of statins on influenza virus replication show that pre-treatment of cells with atorvastatin suppresses virus growth in culture. 
   On 18 January 2007, Kobasa "et al." reported that infected monkeys ("Macaca fascicularis") exhibited classic symptoms of the 1918 pandemic and died from a cytokine storm.
  
  Section::::Blood plasma as an effective treatment.
  
  In the event of another pandemic, US military researchers have proposed reusing a treatment from the deadly pandemic of 1918 in order to blunt the effects of the flu. Some military doctors injected severely afflicted patients with blood or blood plasma from people who had recovered from the flu.
   DNA microarrays are used in macaque research. For example, Michael Katze of University of Washington, Seattle, infected macaques with 1918 and modern influenzas. The DNA microarray showed the macaque genomic response to human influenza on a cellular level in each tissue. Both viruses stimulated innate immune system inflammation, but the 1918 flu stimulated stronger and more persistent inflammation, causing extensive tissue damage, and it did not stimulate the interferon-1 pathway. The DNA response showed a transition from innate to adaptive immune response over seven days.
   Section::::Drug resistance.
  
  Influenza viruses can show resistance to anti-viral drugs. Like the development of bacterial antibiotic resistance, this can result from over-use of these drugs. For example, a study published in the June 2009 Issue of Nature Biotechnology emphasized the urgent need for augmentation of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) stockpiles with additional antiviral drugs including zanamivir (Relenza) based on an evaluation of the performance of these drugs in the scenario that the 2009 H1N1 'Swine Flu' neuraminidase (NA) were to acquire the tamiflu-resistance (His274Tyr) mutation which is currently widespread in seasonal H1N1 strains.
   AHF is a grave acute disease which may progress to recovery or death in 1 to 2 weeks. The incubation time of the disease is between 10 and 12 days, after which the first symptoms appear: fever, headaches, weakness, loss of appetite and will. These intensify less than a week later, forcing the infected to lie down, and producing stronger symptoms such as vascular, renal, hematological and neurological alterations. This stage lasts about 3 weeks.
   BULLET::::- WHO (PDF) contains latest Evolutionary "Tree of Life" for H5N1 article "Antigenic and genetic characteristics of H5N1 viruses and candidate H5N1 vaccine viruses developed for potential use as pre-pandemic vaccines" published 18 August 2006
  
  BULLET::::- Influenza research at the human and animal interface World Health Organization. September 2006.
  
  Section::::External links.
  
  BULLET::::- Seasonal Influenza at the Centre for Health Protection in Hong Kong
  
  BULLET::::- Info on influenza at CDC
  
  BULLET::::- Fact Sheet Overview of influenza at World Health Organization
  
  BULLET::::- How to avoid spreading the flu from the Smithsonian Institution
   Influenza's effects are much more severe and last longer than those of the common cold. Most people will recover completely in about one to two weeks, but others will develop life-threatening complications (such as pneumonia). Thus, influenza can be deadly, especially for the weak, young and old, those with compromised immune systems, or the chronically ill. People with a weak immune system, such as people with advanced HIV infection or transplant people (whose immune systems are medically suppressed to prevent transplant organ rejection), suffer from particularly severe disease. Pregnant women and young children are also at a high risk for complications.
   BULLET::::- Acute Type I Fasciolosis: infectious dose is more than 5000 ingested metacercariae. Sheep suddenly die without any previous clinical signs. Ascites, abdominal haemorrhage, icterus, pallor of membranes, weakness may be observed in sheep.
  
  BULLET::::- Acute Type II Fasciolosis: infectious dose is 1000-5,000 ingested metacercariae. As above, sheep die but briefly show pallor, loss of condition and ascites.
  
  BULLET::::- Subacute Fasciolosis: infectious dose is 800-1000 ingested metacercariae. Sheep are lethargic, anemic and may die. Weight loss is dominant feature.
   Treatment and prevention for the VHF virus are limited and there are currently no licensed vaccines available that can act to prevent the disease. However, once infected, ribavirin, an anti-viral drug given intravenously, is one way to treat VHF.
  
  Section::::Virus.
   Sometimes, influenza may have abnormal presentations, like confusion in the elderly and a sepsis-like syndrome in the young.
  
  Section::::Signs and symptoms.:Emergency warning signs.
  
  BULLET::::- Shortness of breath
  
  BULLET::::- Chest pain
  
  BULLET::::- Dizziness
  
  BULLET::::- Confusion
  
  BULLET::::- Extreme vomiting
  
  BULLET::::- Flu symptoms that improve but then relapse with a high fever and severe cough (can be bacterial pneumonia)
  
  BULLET::::- Cyanosis
  
  BULLET::::- High fever and a rash.
  
  BULLET::::- Inability to drink fluids
  
  Section::::Signs and symptoms.:Emergency warning signs.:Signs of dehydration.
  
  BULLET::::- (in infants) Far fewer wet diapers than usual
  
  BULLET::::- Cannot keep down fluids
  
  BULLET::::- (in infants) No tears when crying.
  
  Section::::Virology.
   In the U.S., on April 27, 2009, the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations to make available Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral drugs to treat the swine influenza virus in cases for which they are currently unapproved. The agency issued these EUAs to allow treatment of patients younger than the current approval allows and to allow the widespread distribution of the drugs, including by volunteers.
  
  Section::::History.
   BULLET::::- Liver function: Elevations of liver enzymes and bilirubin, hepatic dysfunction, jaundice and, in one patient, liver necrosis have all been seen. Some fatal cases have been reported; however, the majority of cases was reversible.
  
  BULLET::::- Renal function: Increased BUN and serum creatinine have been noted. Crystalluria (formation of crystals and excretion in the urine) and acute renal failure have also been seen.
  
  BULLET::::- Adverse central nervous system effects are frequent and include confusion, hallucinations, psychosis, ataxia, hearing loss, headache, paresthesia, parkinsonism, peripheral neuropathy, vertigo and sedation.
   A second class of drugs, which include amantadine and rimantadine, target the M2 protein, but have become ineffective against most strains of H5N1, due to their use in poultry in China in the 1990s, which created resistant strains. However, recent data suggest that some strains of H5N1 are susceptible to the older drugs, which are inexpensive and widely available.
  
  Research indicates that therapy to block one cytokine to lessen a cytokine storm in a patient may not be clinically beneficial.
  
  Section::::Avian flu in humans.:Mortality rate.
   The just completed Phase 2 Trial was completed with 4 study locations in Thailand and one study location in Vietnam. This study looked at the effect of 400 mg given daily for 3 days as well as a single 800 mg dose. In the 21 Patients who received a single 800 mg dose 67% of patients cleared the infection which is comparable to other antimalarial medications. More than half of the patients had some reported adverse event and the rate was higher in patients who received a single 800 mg dose over patients who received 3 400 mg doses. The most common effect was asymptomatic bradycardia where patients heart rates fell below 60 Beats Per Minute. Other reported events include hypokalemia, elevated liver enzymes as well as anemia.
   BULLET::::- Get plenty of rest
  
  BULLET::::- Drink a lot of liquids
  
  BULLET::::- Do not smoke or drink alcohol
  
  BULLET::::- Consider over-the-counter medications to relieve flu symptoms
  
  BULLET::::- Consult a physician early on for best possible treatment
  
  BULLET::::- Remain alert for emergency warning signs
  
  Warning signs are symptoms that indicate that the disease is becoming serious and needs immediate medical attention. These include:
  
  BULLET::::- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  
  BULLET::::- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  
  BULLET::::- Dizziness
  
  BULLET::::- Confusion
  
  BULLET::::- Severe or persistent vomiting
   BULLET::::- Dr. Robert G. Webster @ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  
  BULLET::::- VIDEO: Bird Flu: A Virus of Our Own Hatching Michael Greger, MD, speaks at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
  
  BULLET::::- The ISI CV on Dr Webster
  
  BULLET::::- Transcript: Avian Influenza: Current Status and Potential Impact
  
  BULLET::::- News article: Experts fear bird flu in Africa
  
  BULLET::::- St. Jude Robert G. Webster, PhD - Member, St. Jude Faculty - Rose Marie Thomas Chair
  
  BULLET::::- COMMITTEE ON MICROBIAL THREATS TO HEALTH IN THE 21ST CENTURY
  
  BULLET::::- American Scientist short bio
   The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an up-to-date summary of available laboratory tests. According to the CDC, rapid diagnostic tests have a sensitivity of 50–75% and specificity of 90–95% when compared with viral culture.
  
  Occasionally, influenza can cause severe illness including primary viral pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia. The obvious symptom is trouble breathing. In addition, if a child (or presumably an adult) seems to be getting better and then relapses with a high fever, that is a danger sign since this relapse can be bacterial pneumonia.
   BULLET::::- All patients receiving flucytosine should be under strict medical supervision.
  
  BULLET::::- Hematological, renal and liver function studies should be done frequently during therapy (initially daily, twice a week for the rest of treatment).
  
  BULLET::::- Patients with preexisting bone marrow depression and liver impairment should be treated with caution.
   Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin) may be used in patients with a history of allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics. Macrolide resistance has also been observed.
  
  Section::::Serious complications.
  
  The serious complications of HiB are brain damage, hearing loss, and even death.
  
  Section::::Prevention.
   Section::::Nutritional supplements and herbal medicines.:Elderberry.
  
  A few news reports have suggested the use of an elderberry "(Sambucus nigra)" extract as a potential preventative against the 2009 flu pandemic. The preparation has been reported to reduce the duration of influenza symptoms by raising levels of cytokines. However, the use of the preparation has been described as "imprudent" when an influenza strain causes death in healthy adults by cytokine storm leading to primary viral pneumonia. The manufacturer cites a lack of evidence for cytokine-related risks, but labels the product only as an antioxidant and food supplement.
  
  Section::::Nutritional supplements and herbal medicines.:"Kan Jang".
   A number of biologics, therapeutic vaccines and immunobiologics are also being investigated for treatment of infection caused by viruses. Therapeutic biologics are designed to activate the immune response to virus or antigens. Typically, biologics do not target metabolic pathways like anti-viral drugs, but stimulate immune cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and/or antigen presenting cells, in an effort to drive an immune response towards a cytotoxic effect against the virus. Influenza models, such as murine influenza, are convenient models to test the effects of prophylactic and therapeutic biologics. For example, Lymphocyte T-Cell Immune Modulator inhibits viral growth in the murine model of influenza.
  
presuppositions: Influenza causes weakness in the body. 
corrections: Influenza isn't causing the weakness itself, it's the immune system working hard to eliminate the influenza. 
raw_presuppositions: Influenza causes weakness in the body.  Influenza causes weakness in the body. 
raw_corrections: Influenza isn't causing the weakness itself, it's the immune system working hard to eliminate the influenza.  Influenza isnt causing the weakness itself, it's the immune system working hard to elimante the influenza. 