Influenza, or flu, is a viral respiratory infection causing symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
Causative Agents:
Influenza is caused by the influenza virus. There are three main types that cause disease in humans: Type A, B, and C, with Types A and B being the most common causes of seasonal outbreaks.
Mode of Transmission:
Spread mainly by droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Can also be spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes.
Symptoms:
Sudden onset of fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headache, fatigue, and in some cases, runny or stuffy nose, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Diagnosis:
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs), PCR, and viral cultures can be used to identify the influenza virus in respiratory specimens.
Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms, especially during flu season.
Laboratory tests are available to detect the influenza virus in respiratory specimens.
General Principles of Prevention and Control:
1. Vaccination:
Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza. The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most common strains expected to circulate.
2. Hygiene Practices:
Regular handwashing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can reduce the spread of germs. Covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow when coughing or sneezing also helps prevent the spread of influenza.
3. Avoid Close Contact:
Stay away from people who are sick, and if you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
4. Stay Home When Sick:
Individuals who are ill should stay home from work, school, and other public places to prevent spreading the virus to others.
5. Clean and Disinfect Surfaces:
Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu viruses can help reduce the risk of transmission.
6. Antiviral Medications:
For certain people at high risk of flu complications, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat or prevent influenza.
Treatment
Treatment primarily involves supportive care to relieve symptoms, including rest, fluid intake, and antipyretics.
Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be prescribed, especially for those at high risk of complications, to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.