Flu (Influenza) »

Influenza Facts

INFLUENZA - the disease: Influenza (or flu) is an Italian term which means influence and the disease is very contagious by nature as the name suggests. It's often considered a relatively benign disease, slightly worse than a cold but in reality it has killed millions of people worldwide. Following the famous 1918 outbreak more than 20 million people have died so far. Every year, waves of influenza propagate around the world and we live in constant fear of a major and lethal type striking again.

Causes of Influenza - The ailment is caused by a member of the Orthomyxoviridae . Many features are common with those of the paramyxovirus infections of the respiratory tract. There are three types of the virus:

•  Influenza A viruses that infects mammals such as man, pigs, ferrets, horses and birds.

•  Influenza B viruses infects only the human species.

•  Influenza C viruses that infects only man.

Severity - Infection may be very mild, even asymptomatic, moderate or very severe. The flu is a very contagious disease of the respiratory (breathing) system. It's easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing. It is usually very unpleasant, but for most people symptoms generally get better after 7 to 10 days.

Impact - Influenza is the sixth leading cause of death among American adults. Each year, about 36,000 people die from influenza, and 114,000 people are hospitalized. New variants of influenza arise each year and therefore a new vaccine must be made and given each year. Immunization is 70 to 90 percent effective in preventing influenza in healthy people under the age of 65.

Symptoms - Symptoms of flu include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. Children can have additional stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults. Although the term "stomach flu" is sometimes used to describe vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea, these illnesses are caused by certain other viruses, bacteria, or possibly parasites, and are not related to influenza.

Complications - Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections as complications from the flu.  The elderly and persons of any age with chronic medical conditions are at highest risk for serious complications of flu.

Prevention & Treatment - The single best way to prevent the occurrence of flu especially for individuals at high risk for serious complications from the flu is to get a flu shot each fall. Usage of antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu, Amantadine, Rimantadine, Relenza, Zanamivir, Oseltamivir and Peramivir has been approved for treating the flu. If these drugs are used within the first 2 days of illness, they can reduce the duration of the disease but cannot cure it overnight.