Influenza

              Influenza 

 

Influenza — it's all around us, especially during the winter and early spring. And yet, as common and widespread as influenza also known as "the flu" can be, it’s potential to cause hospitalizations and death is often unappreciated. And so is the ability to prevent it. That's why no matter what time of year it is, the time is always right for Influenza.

The influenza virus was first identified in 1933. There are two main types that cause infection: influenza A and influenza B. Influenza A usually causes a more severe illness than influenza B.  The influenza virus is unstable and new strains and variants are constantly emerging, which is one of the reasons why the flu vaccine should be given each year.

For most people influenza infection is just a nasty experience, but for some it can lead to more serious illnesses. The most common complications of influenza are bronchitis and secondary bacterial pneumonia. These illnesses may require treatment in hospital and can be life threatening especially in the elderly, asthmatics and those in poor health.

 The symptoms of influenza (flu) appear suddenly and often include:

Fever of 37.8°C to 40°C, which can reach 41°C when symptoms first develop. Fever is usually continuous, but it may come and go. Fever may be lower in older adults than in children and younger adults. When fever is high, other symptoms usually are more severe.

Body aches and muscle pain, commonly in the back, arms, or legs.

Headache.

Pain when you move your eyes.

Fatigue, a general feeling of sickness (malaise), and loss of appetite.

A dry cough, runny nose, and dry or sore throat. You may not notice these during the first few days of the illness when other symptoms are more severe. As your fever goes away, these symptoms may become more evident.

Prevention

The mainstay of flu prevention is the flu vaccine which contains a cocktail of three killed viruses and provides protection against both flu A and flu B infections. Protective antibodies against influenza appear in the blood about two weeks after vaccination.

Because the flu virus is continually changing, two separate vaccines are now produced each year, six months apart, for the flu seasons in the southern and northern hemispheres respectively.

By analyzing samples of flu collected from patients, the World Health Organization (WHO) continuously monitors the strains of flu that are circulating in the community. This information helps doctors and scientists to decide which viruses should be included in the vaccine for the forthcoming year.

It can also lower the risk of catching flu by not smoking, staying away from people who have flu, washing both hands regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle – eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, get enough sleep, exercise regularly and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Treatment

As influenza is a viral infection antibiotics should not be relied on as they are quite useless in treating flu. Yet, they are often used in to treat secondary infections.
Practically any medication designed to relieve flu symptoms such as fever, cough and pain will provide relief. That means that you do not need to buy any specific medication designed to relieve influenza and you can use painkillers and aspirin, acetaminophen, or
Naproxen if you are an adult and give ibuprofen acetaminophen to your children (if you cannot consult a doctor). Medicine containing alcohol ought to be avoided as alcohol has dehydrating effects.