Influenza Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention - Influenza is a highly infectious respiratory illness caused by a virus, which affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It is transmitted by person-to-person contact or through the air by coughing or sneezing. Influenza symptoms primarily include a sudden onset of fever of 100 to 103° F, exhaustion, headaches and muscle aches that are often severe, and coughing. A person will have tiredness and/or weakness through the duration of the illness for up to two weeks. Other symptoms may include sneezing, sore throat and runny nose.
The most common symptoms of influenza are an abrupt onset of fever, shivering, headache, muscle ache and dry cough. Most people confuse influenza with a heavy cold, however influenza is usually a more severe illness than the common cold, which is caused by other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus.
The most common symptoms of influenza are an abrupt onset of fever, shivering, headache, muscle ache and dry cough. Most people confuse influenza with a heavy cold, however influenza is usually a more severe illness than the common cold, which is caused by other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus.
Influenza makes people feel worse than an ordinary cold. For most people influenza infection is just a nasty experience, but for some it can lead to illnesses that are more serious. 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 influenza virus does not necessarily cause high mortality, but for old sick people it may speed up their death. During a pandemic, though, influenza can cause serious illness in young healthy individuals.
In temperate climates influenza tends to strikes from late autumn through to spring, although technically influenza is not bound by seasons, and can occur all year round in tropical climates. A possible explanation for the high influenza virus activity in the wintertime is that people congregating indoors during winter facilitate the transmission of the virus or that more humid air indoors may help the viruses survive longer.
A person with influenza can be contagious from one day before symptoms appear until about a week after. People who are ill should stay at home to avoid spreading the influenza virus. Other steps that can prevent the spread of the influenza virus and other contagious germs include:
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
- Using a tissue to wipe or blow your nose and quickly throwing away used tissues
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water
Treatment for influenza is bed rest, fluids and control of fever. Do not give your child aspirin for reducing fever due to the possibility of Reye’s syndrome or other complications. Contact your health care provider for information about antivirals and the treatment of influenza. Antibiotics are not effective against influenza or other viruses.
Influenza vaccines are available each year, typically starting in October and through the influenza season, ending in March. Because the influenza virus changes each year, a dose of vaccine is needed annually. You/your child are encouraged to get the flu vaccine to prevent illness, especially if you are in any of the high-risk categories determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Influenza vaccines are available each year, typically starting in October and through the influenza season, ending in March. Because the influenza virus changes each year, a dose of vaccine is needed annually. You/your child are encouraged to get the flu vaccine to prevent illness, especially if you are in any of the high-risk categories determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
No comments:
Post a Comment