t55

Track two. Read and listen to the text.

The flu. The influenza virus causes the flu.

Flu is the short form of influenza.

When the virus enters our body, we get the flu.

Of course, we cannot see these viruses because they are very small.

We need a microscope to see them.

This virus causes a fever, a cough, body aches, and especially a headache.

You usually have a sore throat and you sneeze.

You feel tired, weak, and cold.

These are the symptoms of the flu.

The first two days are the worst.

Then you start to feel better.

But the virus doesn't leave your body before seven days.

The best treatment for the flu is staying in bed and having a rest.

This is very important for you and the people around you.

This virus spreads quickly from person to person, so we have to be very careful.

Stay at home and try not to come into contact with other people.

Close your mouth and use tissues when coughing or sneezing.

Some medicine can help you lower your temperature and pain.

You should eat healthy food, especially fruit with vitamin C, like oranges and lemons.

To protect yourself from the flu, you should be careful about personal hygiene.

Wash your hands regularly.

Stay away from people with the virus.

Some people prefer the flu vaccine.

It is a shot.

The nurses or the doctors inject it into your skin.

The best time for the flu vaccine is fall, because the flu season usually starts in October and ends in May.

Sometimes the vaccine can be a spray.

We spray it into our nose.

Sometimes it can be a drop.

We drink it with water.

These alternatives are not as strong as a shot.

The vaccine is still the best way of protection from the flu.