Laughter: Best Medicine to Cure Flu

Laughter is the best medicine to ward off flu, finds poll. According to the poll, conducted by 'Day and Night Nurse', three out of four people claimed that a chuckle can make them feel "energized", 29 per cent said a hug from a loved one was beneficial and 14 per cent insisted listening to music soothed away the symptoms, the Daily Express reported.

Influenza is caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory system. Though the disease is mostly mild, the virus is known to mutate as often as once a year, thus extinguishing any hope of acquired immunity. This leaves the body unable to fight off any similar infection in the future caused by a different strain of the same virus.

Humans are susceptible to all the 3 major types of the flu virus – Types A, B and C which have their own various subtypes, brought about by the frequent mutation of the virus. Most human and avian influenza virus strains that are circulating these days are subtypes belonging to Type A. The strains of the main virus can range from the mildest forms (which we often succumb to) to more severe, and sometimes fatal versions.

The symptoms of the flu are generally mild. Other than those mentioned earlier, they also include chills, headaches, dry cough, a runny nose, and (mostly in children) stomach-related symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.

The poll found that women are skilled at harnessing the power of laughter, as 83 per cent agreed that it cheers them up, while only 70 per cent of men agreed to the same.

Source-ANI