Diseases and Conditions
Influenza
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Influenza is an infection caused by a virus called the influenza virus. It is usually a more severe illness than the common cold which is caused by other respiratory viruses. Influenza typically has a sudden onset with headache, chills and cough followed rapidly by a fever, appetite loss, muscle aches, and tiredness. On the other hand, cold symptoms are limited to the upper respiratory tract with runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, can sometimes accompany influenza, especially in children, but these symptoms are rarely prominent. The term "stomach flu" is often incorrectly used to describe gastrointestinal illness that is due to other causes.
There are three main types of influenza:
- influenza A,
- influenza B, and
- influenza C.
Influenza A and influenza B are associated with annual outbreaks and epidemics. Influenza A usually causes more severe illness than influenza B and can result in pneumonia, hospitalization or even death, especially in the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Influenza A has also been responsible for all previous pandemics (worldwide epidemics of influenza).
Influenza C is very rarely seen and is associated with only mild sporadic illness.
The period when an infected person is contagious depends on the age of the person. Adults may be contagious from one daydren may be contagious for longer t prior to becoming sick and for three to seven days after they first develop symptoms. Some children may be contagious for longer than a week.
The "flu" virus is spread from person to person very efficiently through droplets of saliva or phlegm (spit) that travel through the air, usually propelled along by the action of coughing or sneezing. This way of spreading the virus happens most easily indoors and in crowded places. Influenza can also be passed on from person to person by touching contaminated surfaces, for example touching an object like a doorknob or telephone receiver that has been recently handled by someone who is infected with influenza.
While the majority of people infected with influenza will recover completely within a week to 10 days after experiencing their first symptoms, some people are at greater risk of experiencing more severe and long lasting complications. In particular, very young children and those over 65 years of age as well as those already suffering from certain medical conditions including: chronic respiratory or cardiac disease, chronic kidney (renal) disease, diabetes or depressed immune systems (due to cancer, HIV infection, steroid treatment, etc.) are at increased risk from complications following influenza infection
Hygienic practices such as hand washing may help to reduce the risk of being infected, especially after contact with persons who may have the flu and after handling soiled tissues. People can build up their body resistance to influenza by having a proper diet and adequate exercise and rest. They can also avoid close contact with persons who are ill with an influenza-like infection.
Children who exhibit symptoms of influenza such as fever, runny nose, cough, chills and muscle ache should be excused from school.
Proper hygiene practices include:
- Regular and proper handwashing. Proper handwashing requires the use of soap and water. Rinse hands under running water and dry them thoroughly.When handwashing facilities are not available, use a waterless antiseptic cleanser, following the manufacturer's directions for use.
- All body fluid spills must be cleaned thoroughly prior to disinfection. Mops and equipment used should be soaked in the disinfectant solution after use and rinsed thoroughly with water. The solution should then be promptly disposed off down a drain pipe. An appropriate disinfectant is the use of diluted household bleach.
- Toys should be kept clean. To prevent transmission of any pathogens, it has been recommended that toys that are mouthed routinely be cleaned and disinfected. Other toys should be cleaned and disinfected if they become contaminated by body fluids.
- Supplies of disposable gloves and towels and disinfectants should be readily available and accessible to all staff.
People who develop influenza-like symptoms are advised not to go to work or school and avoid crowded places to minimize the transmission of the infection to others. They should also cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
They should increase fluid intake (water, juice, soups etc.) and get plenty of rest for the 7 to 10 days that symptoms might continue. Strenuous physical activities like running and jogging, and smoking and alcohol should also be avoided during the illness until complete recovery.
Persons who are at risk of complications from influenza infection should see their family doctor for a medical evaluation when they have symptoms of influenza. See question below on "Who should get vaccinated" for a list of persons who are at increased risk of complications.
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