高一英语素材：module1 Flu.docVIP

全优中高考网----------------- 全优中高考网----------------- Flu Influenza (say: in-floo-en-zah) is also called the flu. Its an infection that causes fever, chills, cough, body aches, headaches, and sometimes earaches or sinus problems. The flu is caused by the influenza virus (say: vy-rus). A virus is a microorganism (say: my-croh-or-gah-nih-zum), which means its so small that you cant see it without a strong microscope. For most people, the flu is a drag, but it goes away in a week or two. But for some people, the flu can make them very sick. Those groups include: Babies and toddlers under age 2 People older than 65 Adults and kids who have health problems, such as diabetes and asthma Anyone whos at risk of getting really sick needs to get a flu shot, or vaccine. People such as doctors and nurses also need the shot because they take care of sick people. Healthy kids and adults?dont need it as much, but they sometimes get a flu shot, just to be on the?safe side. Flu vaccines are usually given in the fall, before flu season starts. Flu season means the months of the year when a lot of people have the flu and its easy to catch it. It starts in November and usually ends in April. How Does the Flu Spread? This virus gets around in little drops that spray out of an infected persons mouth and nose when he or she sneezes, coughs, or even laughs. You can catch the flu from someone who has the flu if you breathe in some of those tiny flu-infected drops. You can also catch the flu if those drops get on your hands and you touch your mouth or nose. No wonder people are always saying to cover your mouth when you sneeze! What If You Get the Flu? But even if you steer clear of sneezers, and you wash your hands regularly, you still might get the flu. At the doctors office, the doctor will ask you how youve been feeling and examine you. He or she might use a long cotton swab to get a sample of the gunk in your nose or throat. Testing this sample in a lab can determine, for sure, that you ha