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Influenza
Influenza, otherwise called flu, is in reality a respiratory infection that is
highly infectious. It can get transmitted from a person to another just by a
sneeze or a cough of the infected person. The flu season ranges between November
and March. Nearly 10-20% of the people in America are subject to infection
during this flu season, especially during the winter. The common symptoms are
fever, headache, cough and excess fatigue.
Influenza is most probably caused by several viruses. Viruses which affect the
nose, lungs and throat are the flu or influenza viruses. Influenza is just mild
in people are healthy like children, younger adults and people in their middle
ages, but can be severe and life threatening in old people and unhealthy people
irrespective of age like people already infected by some chronic illnesses
including diabetes, kidney or heart or lung diseases.
Influenza is totally different in many ways from common cold. It is also a
respiratory viral infection. The main differentiation is that people affected by
cold do not come up with symptoms like fevers or headaches or excessive
exhaustion which are the normal symptoms of influenza.
There have been many influenza outbreaks. It normally begins all of a sudden
without any prior warning especially during the late fall or winter seasons.
Then the disease can spread as am epidemic. In such a time, the number of cases
falling ill reaches its peak in approximately three weeks and also subsides in
another 3-4 weeks. Nearly 50% of the people living in a community can be
infected. Crowded places like schools seem to be the apt places for the spread
of the virus easily. Hence families who have children in school age are likely
to get more infected comparatively. Nearly one-third of such family members are
infected every year.
In addition to such outbreaks, influenza can have serious consequences. Majority
of the infected people are cured in a week except for a lingering cough and
fatigue for some more days. But for a small percentage of people, especially
new-born babies, old people and people with chronic diseases, influenza can be a
life-threatening disease.
Influenza can spread if someone with the disease sneezes or coughs. It is also
possible to get the disease by touching objects like telephone, doorknob, etc
which is contaminated by the infected person. Influenza viruses are capable of
entering the body through nose or mouth when the contaminated air is taken in or
from the contaminated surfaces through nose or mouth passed by hands. The risk
of infection is high in crowded or highly populated places.
There are some important facts to be remembered.
• Influenza is dangerous for people above 65.
• Influenza can be prevented.
• An influenza shot (covered by Medicare) is essential for high-risk individuals
every fall.
• Shot is safe as well prevents influenza.
• It can be given along with pneumococcal vaccine. |
