Influenza

by OPC Posted on March 14, 2023
Reading time: 2 minutes

Influenza is a virus commonly known as “the flu” that is caused by RNA viruses, which infect the respiratory tract of humans and animals.

Symptoms of Influenza

There are many symptoms of Influenza also known as “The Flu”

  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion
  • Irritated and Watery eyes
  • Reddened eyes, skin, mouth, throat and nose

Treatment for The Flu

When an individual has the flu, they must:

  • Drink a lot of fluids
  • Rest a lot
  • Use medications such as:

Prevention of Influenza

The Flu can be prevented through:

  • Proper hand washing
  • Keeping surfaces clean
  • Sneezing in your arm or sleeve
  • Annual vaccination: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Influenza

Vaccination:

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent Influenza. Yearly vaccinations protect individuals and those around them from the flu. It has been available and used for more than 60 years, and can prevent 70 to 90 percent of influenza illnesses. Vaccination is extremely important for use in those who are at higher risk of influenza complications, and for those care takers who live or care for people with greater risk of influenza complications.

Who should get annual flu shots?

Any individual that is at risk of getting the flu should have an annual flu shot

Below is a list of people in groups that should most definitely get vaccinated.

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5
  • People 65 years of and older
  • People with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who are morbidly obese
  • Health care workers
  • Household contact with those with high risk for complications of the flu
  • People who live or care in nursing homes
  • Adults or child with any condition

Anyone could benefit from using an annual influenza vaccine

Diagnosis of Influenza

An individual can be diagnosed with the flu through a doctor. They base their diagnoses around the symptoms addressed by the patient. Lab tests as well are administered to confirm the presence of influenza.

What are the three types of Influenza?

  • Influenza Type A: Influenza A causes moderate to severe symptoms, and can infect and spread among people who were said to be immune.
  • Influenza Type B: Influenza B causes mild to moderate symptoms, and can only be found in humans and seals.
  • Influenza Type C: respiratory infections