There's no cure for most of the bugs that are going around, so
it's important to keep from catching 'em. Don't inhale other
people's sneezes. Don't kiss folks who are ill. But most
important, wash your hands frequently, especially before eating.
Most people pick up germs with their hands, and then touch their
mouth, nose, or eyes: instant infection. When you touch your
face before washing your hands, it's like licking every doorknob
you've touched since you last washed. Many viral syndromes start
with a sore throat or cold symptoms, often followed by a cough.
It's not technically "flu," or influenza. True influenza is
caused by influenza viruses. Certain drugs will make it less
severe or may prevent your getting it. However, doctors see so
many viral infections that aren't influenza that true influenza
may be hard to spot. Smokers have more trouble than non-smokers,
since their lungs have lost their natural cleaning capabilities.
Normal lungs are lined with tiny hair cells that sweep up the
watery mucus layer