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Many people are unaware of how deadly the common flu, or influenza, can sometimes be. Each year, thousands of people perish due to this illness. There are plenty of ways of protecting yourself against the flu, though; vaccinations are one great example. However, learning about the different kinds of flu is another smart move.

Flu Virus A (Influenza virus A) -

The type A form of the flu is the most virulent and has the most unpleasant symptoms of the three possible types. It is the most common form, and is also the form responsible for the largest outbreaks throughout history. There have been more deaths associated with this type of flu that any other.

There are different subsets of the type A influenza virus. The most severe subset is known as the highly pathogenic variety; the low pathogenic type is the least severe subset of this type of flu. Just about any time you hear about major outbreaks of the flu in the news, or when a certain strain is described as being particularly devastating to humans, it is almost certainly the type A flu. Additionally, severe strains are almost always of the highly pathogenic variety.

Of all the types of flu that one can contract, type A is definitely the most dreaded. History has shown that very young children and elderly for the most susceptible when it comes to this type of the flu. It is important to note there are many flu vaccinations available to prevent you from contracting this type of flu. This is fortunate, since the risks associated with type A are the most serious.

Flu Virus B (Influenza virus B) -

Unlike the type A flu, this form of the influenza virus is not responsible for any severe pandemics or other major, newsworthy events. Most people acquire some type of immunity to the type B flu at a relatively early age. However, the pathogens behind the type B flu also mutate frequently, so any immunity will not last forever.

The common occurrence of flu that happens during the winter months is usually of the type B variety. All of the coughing, hacking and other outward symptoms can almost always be attributed to this type B form of flu. However, flu vaccinations do not offer an effective cure or countermeasure to this strain, and researchers continue to work to find ways to combat it.

Flu Virus C (Influenza virus C) -

The type C form of influenza is the rarest one. Of all the recorded cases of the flu, almost all are the type A or type B variety. In the very rare instance when Type C occurs there are severe symptoms to follow. This form of the flu is also far likelier to be contracted by children than by any other segment of the population.

Flu Vaccinations -

Regardless of what type of flu you may be concerned about, it is always wise to get a yearly flu vaccination. It can help you avoid a lot of the downtime often associated with these outbreaks. You can minimize the potential for work or school interruptions by protecting yourself with a flu vaccination. The elderly are especially encouraged to receive these vaccinations, as they are the likeliest to suffer the worst symptoms.

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Aus Vax (http://www.ausvax.com.au ) is aware the common flu or influenza is sometimes more insidious that it may sound. Indeed, every year thousands of people actually die (in Australia alone) due to this illness due to the absence of a yearly Influenza Vaccine. Therefore, getting flu vaccinations is of the utmost importance – especially for the elderly.