Influenza

=Influenza= Laura Kratochvil

//What is it?// Influenza is commonly referred to as the flu, a contagious virus usually occurring during the fall and winter seasons. If an individual contracts the flu, he or she will usually feel like they have an severe head cold. Symptoms include: fever, aches, dry and/or sore throat, and fatigue. Recovery usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. Influenza can also lead to more serious medical problems if the individual does not recover well or quickly enough. Recovery can be expedited by rest, avoiding dehydration, and over the counter medication. Vaccinations and proper hygiene can help prevent Influenza.

//Where did Influenza come from?// Influenza came from the domestication of birds. Europeans brought this virus and many other illness to the Native Americans when they landed in North America. Europeans seemed to have a stronger immune system due to the fact that they lived in such close proximity with each other and the animals they domesticated. By being exposed to illnesses from these circumstances, their immune systems were able to fight off illnesses from the Native Americans but the Native Americans (who did not domesticate many animals or live in close proximity with each other) were not able to fight off diseases and illnesses of Europe.

//Why were Native Americans susceptible?// Native Americans may have been more likely to contract this virus due to the fact that they were not exposed to common colds, certain bacteria, and the flu virus itself at a young enough age. Their immune systems did not carry antibodies to help fight it off. The Native Americans also did not have vaccinations like we do in today's society. We are able to inject a small amount of the virus into our systems so we can produce the antibodies in order to protect our bodies. A final point to consider is that Native Americans did not have the medication and antibiotics to help aid in recovery. Herbal remedies were used in place of the the antibiotics and current medication in today's society. Some examples of Influenza Epidemics include The Spanish Influenza of 1918 and The Great Slave Lake Influenza in 1928.