The flu or influenza is a viral infection.
Influenza or the flu is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system, mainly the nose, throat, bronchi, and occasionally the lungs. The virus is transmitted via droplets whenever an infected person cough or sneeze. It can affect anybody from any age group and may cause epidemics, especially during winter season. Worldwide, these annual epidemics result in about three to five million cases of severe illness, and about 250.000 to 500.000 deaths.
There are three types of influenza virus: type A, B, and C. Type C influenza cases occur much less frequently than A and B. That is why seasonal influenza vaccines only includes type A and B viruses. In April 2009, a new type of influenza virus called the novel H1N1 swine flu developed in Mexico and rapidly spread worldwide. It caused the WHO to declare a flu pandemic which was finally over in 2010.
Most people recover within one or two weeks.
The characteristic symptoms of influenza are sudden onset of high fever, non productive cough, muscle and joint pain, headache, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and runny nose. Most cases resolve within one to two weeks even without any treatment. However in infants, the elderly, and people with serious medical conditions, infection can lead to pneumonia and even death.
"Worldwide, annual influenza epidemics result in about three to five million cases of severe illness, and about 250.000 to 500.000 deaths."
Influenza vaccination is given annually.
While the influenza vaccine is available, the virus strain is ever changing so vaccination has to be repeated every year. In healthy adults, influenza vaccine can prevent 70% to 90% of influenza-specific illness. In the elderly, the vaccine reduces severe illnesses and complications by up to 60%, and deaths by 80%.
Annual vaccination is recommended for nursing-home residents, elderly individuals, people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, pregnant women, health care workers, people with essential functions in society, and all children from ages 6 months to 2 years.
Antibiotics are not used to treat uncomplicated influenza cases.
Treatment consists of symptomatic medications to relieve pain and fever, decongestants, and antihistamines. Over-the-counter flu preparations often combine these types of medications. However, these drugs do not treat the viral infection itself. Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications like amantadine, remantadine, oseltamivir, and zanamivir that act against the influenza virus. Don't forget simple measures like getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating properly to help you recover faster.
