Tretiak
November 17, 2001, 7:32pm
1
When I get a cold or something ot that effect I get the usual symptoms, stuffy head, fever, cough. I understand these, mucuossy trying to rid the body of evil germs. But why do we get a sore, swollen throat? Are there glands back there? If it is just tissue why does it get special treatment in this regard?
kniz
November 17, 2001, 8:08pm
2
The answer as to why flu is a winter disease is not fully known. However, flu is spread largely by droplet (aerosol) infection from individuals with a high viral level in their nasal and throat secretions, sneezing and coughing on anyone close at hand. The aerosol droplets of the “right” size (thought to be about 1.5 micrometers in diameter) remain airborne and are breathed into the nose or lungs of the next victim. Situations in which people are crowded together are more common in cold or wet weather–and so perhaps this contributes to spreading the flu at these times. It is interesting that in equatorial countries, flu occurs throughout the year, but is highest in the monsoon or rainy season.
If you want to read the whole article, go here
DPWhite
November 17, 2001, 8:11pm
3
Yes, you have glands in the back of your throat (and lots of other places) that get swollen working overtime trying to deal with the infection.
sailor
November 17, 2001, 8:26pm
4
Maybe you are thinking of tonsil and tonsilitis? (I think they’re cousins, or at least, related.)