• Home
• /
• Entertainment

ANYONE CAN GET INFLUENZA

Influenza A has two subtypes, A (H3N2) and A (H1N1) that are important for humans.

What are the symptoms of Flu?

The symptoms start with the sudden onset of high-grade fever, sore throat, headache, malaise and severe body aches. Dry cough and nasal dribbling (rhinitis) develop after 1-2 days. The symptoms usually last 7-10 days and then improve spontaneously. Cough may persist for a week or so after other symptoms have abated. Influenza usually causes upper respiratory illness but may cause pneumonia too.

Are all upper respiratory infections caused by Influenza?

No, other viruses and bacteria can cause similar illness. Viruses like rhino virus, corona virus, respiratory syncitial virus, cause a similar form of illness.

Who are at high risk of developing Flu?

Almost anyone can get influenza. The severity of illness, however, may differ from person to person. Young children, elderly and people with other co-morbid illnesses like chronic lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases, diabetes mellitus and immune suppressive illnesses (cancer, leukemia, etc.) are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza.

Can Influenza be life- threatening?

In healthy adults, influenza-related mortality is very uncommon. However, in the elderly and children and in people with other co-morbidities, it may cause significant morbidity and mortality. Influenza may cause a severe pneumonia leading to respiratory failure. It also increases the likelihood of secondary bacterial infections, which contribute to morbidity and mortality. According to WHO estimates, three to five million cases of severe influenza and 250,000 to 500,000 deaths around the world are reported every year.

How is Flu transmitted?

The virus spreads easily from person to person. This occurs through the air by droplets, when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus enters the body through the nose or throat. Symptoms usually start between one and four days after exposure. The patient is infectious from one day prior to the onset of symptoms till about seven days after. The virus flourishes in cold and dry weather, which explains the increased spread in the winter months. With the onset of influenza, the virus spreads very rapidly in the community. This is called an "epidemic". Closed and crowded environment aids in the transmission of influenza.

How can Flu be prevented?

Vaccination is the principal measure for preventing and reducing the impact of influenza. The vaccine is prepared fresh annually, utilising the antigens from the prior year. The fresh batch is available by September-October for inoculation for that winter. The best time for vaccination is from October onwards. The vaccine is prepared in the hen's embryo, so people who are allergic to eggs should avoid vaccination. Other measures include well-balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding unnecessary exposure to cold and smoking.

Who should get Flu vaccine?

All individuals who are at high risk of influenza-related complications should be vaccinated. These include:

1) Children 6 months to 2 years.

2) Adults 65 years or older.

3) Persons with other co-morbid illnesses (chronic lung, heart, liver or kidney diseases, cancer and leukemias, diabetes mellitus, etc.)

4) Health care workers involved in direct patient care.

5) Close contacts of high-risk group.

What is the treatment for Influenza?

For most people, influenza causes only a mild upper respiratory illness and requires only symptomatic treatment. People recover in a week to ten days and the body gets rid of the virus. There is no role for antibiotics in the treatment of influenza unless there is a superimposed bacterial infection. Antiviral drugs for influenza are an important adjunct to the vaccine. When these drugs are taken before infection, or during the early stages of disease, (within the first two days of symptoms), they may help prevent infection. But if the infection has already taken hold, its early administration may reduce the duration of symptoms by some days. For symptomatic relief simple medicines like Acetaminophen, Antihistamines, Decongestants and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used. Other measures include taking plenty of fluids, steam inhalation and rest.

The writer is a Consultant Pulmonologist and Assistant Professor at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.