Influenza (the flu) infection

Influenza (the flu) infection

1. Introduction

Influenza (the flu) is a common contagious respiratory infection of the nose and lungs caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms range from mild to severe, including fever, running nose, fatigue, and some cases may even result in death. In the United States [1], over eight percent of people contract the flu every season. Moreover, children under the age of seventeen are twice as likely to get influenza compared to adults, thus making this topic an important subject of discussion. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, treatment of flu is necessary as it improves the quality of health of both young children and adults, especially in the cold season.

1. Summary

Influenza is a viral infection that targets the respiratory system. The virus usually resolves on its own but can have severe complications. Symptoms of The fl include but are not limited to, fatigue, headache, nasal congestion, and cold sweats. Flu symptoms tend to have a sudden onset and feel much worse than regular symptoms. The leading cause of getting infected by the flu is, coming into contact with an infected individual. However, physical contact is not necessary since Flu viruses can be carried through the air as droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. Droplets can then be inhaled directly, causing infection. Infection can also occur due to touching objects which have been exposed to the virus then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. An infected person is contagious from one day before symptoms appear to five days after symptoms have started. Some of the risk factors that increase the chances of infection and developing complications are: Living in crowded places, age younger than twelve months, age older than sixty-five, and Pregnant women. The Influenza virus is an infection that targets the respiratory system, is constantly mutating, and can have fatal complications in some cases.

No drug treats The Flu; however, it is possible to control the spread of the infection and ease symptoms. It is essential that those infected by The Flu wash their hands, contain coughs and sneezes, and avoid crowds. An infected person is recommended to stay home until symptoms disappear for more than twenty-four hours. These measures will not only reduce the spread of the virus, but they will also reduce the chance of developing complications for the person carrying the virus. Usually, getting plenty of rest and time will treat The Flu. Antiviral may be prescribed if complications arise. Drinking lots of fluids, getting sufficient rest, and over the counter pain relievers will make symptoms more bearable. It is crucial to take measures to control the spread of the virus, and signs can be made more tolerable by plenty of home remedies and, if necessary, over the counter pain relievers.

1. Discussion

Flu is a viral respiratory infection that may be passed on from one person to another through coughing and sneezing. However, since the most commonly affected people are children under twelve months or people over sixty-five years [1], understanding the symptoms, treatment, and control of the disease is crucial. The symptoms of the flu vary from person to person, but most studies show similarities in symptoms such as headache, fever, running nose, and dry cough. According to the World Health Organization [5], epidemic seasons always pose the risk of severe symptoms. About four million people had severe signs and symptoms of the flu, resulting in over 4 million annual cases of people infected by the Influenza virus globally.

The treatment of the flu includes both over the counter medicine and prescription medicine, although treatment acts by suppressing the influenza virus, not eliminating it. However, measures to control the spread of the influenza virus are effective, based on findings from other studies. For instance, taking plenty of water, resting, and taking antiviral medicine such as Advil and aspirin for children below nineteen years are useful measures of controlling flu [3]. However, other sources [3,4] have indicated the risk factors associated with influenza, such as complications related to aspirin, which may cause Reye’s syndrome. Other chronic respiratory infections, such as asthma, also increase the prevalence of influenza infection.

Frank et al. [2] carried out a study to determine how protective college students were in addressing flu, based on behavior and influenza vaccination rates. Results indicated that over thirty-two percent of the students received Influenza vaccination, which is within the CDC [3] recommended rate of thirty-one percent. Also, Frank et al. [2] observed that a slight change in students’ behavior showed a significant improvement in controlling the flu. These findings validate the current recommendations that even though flu has no direct cure, protective measures lower the spread and prevalence of influenza.

1. Conclusion

The influenza virus causes symptoms to show up, escalate, then start diminishing after about five days for mild flu, but severe flu can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes, treatment, and control of influenza. Nevertheless, we should also keep in mind that there are risk factors associated with the treatment of flu. As such, people should seek medical attention when symptoms of flu show up, instead of ignorantly buying over the counter medicine without Gprescription.

1. References
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351725
3. Franks A, Jandu N. Vaccine Rates and Protective Health Behaviors amongst College Students during Influenza Season. J Biomedical Sci. 2017, 6:3. doi:10.4172/2254-609X.100066
4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.html
5. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/influenza/symptoms-causes-and-risk.html
6. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)