Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious condition that is caused by the influenza viruses. The symptoms can range from mild to severe with some even requiring hospitalization. Individuals with weakened immune system such as the elderly or the young children can even develop serious complications as the result of the flu. The only preventive method for this illness is to get vaccinated each year.
Symptoms
Depending on the individual, they may experience symptoms such as a cough, fever, fatigue, headaches, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and body aches. Children with the flu may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.
Causes
There are four types of flu viruses; A, B, C and D. The two main types of the flu virus that commonly causes seasonal flu epidemics every year are type A and B. The type A can cause influenza pandemic and the type C causes the mild respiratory illness. The type D mainly affects the animals and is not thought to cause any human illness. Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing this illness include elderly individuals, children, certain living conditions such as nursing homes, those with weakened immune system like those undergoing cancer treatments, people with chronic illness and pregnant women.
Transmission
This flu virus is transmitted by the tiny droplets when the infected individual sneeze or cough that arrives on the nose or the mouth of the healthy individual. It can also be transmitted to by the contact of touching surfaces that are contaminated with the flu virus. In order to prevent the transmission of the infection, it is important that individuals should cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing and to wash hands regularly. The adults with flu can infect the others one day before the onset of symptoms and up to a week after the sickness. On an average, after exposure to the virus, an adult can experience flu symptoms in about 1 to 4 days.
Treatment
Normally, this condition can get better with just the bed rest and by taking plenty of fluids. However, in order to prevent the complications, the affected individual may require the antiviral medication which can have side effects such as vomiting and nausea.
Complications
Although seasonal influenza is not a serious illness which usually resolves within a couple of weeks, high-risk individuals can develop complications such as ear infections, heart problems, asthma flare-ups, bronchitis and pneumonia.
Prevention
Vaccination is the only effective way to prevent the disease. Vaccination is particularly important for the high-risk individuals who are prone to develop complications and even deaths. According to the WHO, the annual vaccination is recommended for the pregnant women, children between the age of 6 months to 5 years, individuals over the age of 65 and those affected by chronic illness.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/dxc-20248062
