Influenza
Introduction
Influenza commonly known as the flu is a respiratory contagious disease that affects mostly the nose, throat, bronchi and sporadically the lungs. This infection disease is caused by RNA viruses of the family of Orthomyxoviridae and affects birds and mammals.
There are 3 classifications of Influenza:
Influenza A – Found in aquatic birds which are a natural host and often transmitted to poultry and humans. It is often the virus that is responsible for human pandemics.
Influenza B – Is less common than Influenza A. It almost exclusively affects humans. It’s mutation rate is much slower than Influenza A and therefore humans generally build an immunity at a young age.
Influenza C – Affects humans, pigs and dogs. It usually only causes mild …show more content…
Diagnosis
Most cases of influenza are diagnosed based on symptoms. Lab testing can be performed by way of a nasal or throat swap.
Complications
Complications include pneumonia, dehydration, sinus infection, ear infection and the worsening of pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Influenza has the ability to cause death which is more common in the very young or elderly.
Contagiousness
The contagious period of an infected person may be from 1 day prior to experiencing symptoms and up to 7 days after. They remain infectious during this time. It can take an average of 2 days but as many as 4 for an exposed person to develop symptoms.
Duration
Symptoms such as fevers etc usually last for around 5 days. Following this you may continue with a cough and weakness for one to two weeks.
Influenza prevention
In order to prevent this infectious disease, it is recommended that you:
• Wash your hands using an anti-bacterial gel after touching surfaces in public places.
• Eat healthy foods and maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. This will help your immune system fight this sometimes deadly
Introduction
Influenza commonly known as the flu is a respiratory contagious disease that affects mostly the nose, throat, bronchi and sporadically the lungs. This infection disease is caused by RNA viruses of the family of Orthomyxoviridae and affects birds and mammals.
There are 3 classifications of Influenza:
Influenza A – Found in aquatic birds which are a natural host and often transmitted to poultry and humans. It is often the virus that is responsible for human pandemics.
Influenza B – Is less common than Influenza A. It almost exclusively affects humans. It’s mutation rate is much slower than Influenza A and therefore humans generally build an immunity at a young age.
Influenza C – Affects humans, pigs and dogs. It usually only causes mild …show more content…
Diagnosis
Most cases of influenza are diagnosed based on symptoms. Lab testing can be performed by way of a nasal or throat swap.
Complications
Complications include pneumonia, dehydration, sinus infection, ear infection and the worsening of pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes. Influenza has the ability to cause death which is more common in the very young or elderly.
Contagiousness
The contagious period of an infected person may be from 1 day prior to experiencing symptoms and up to 7 days after. They remain infectious during this time. It can take an average of 2 days but as many as 4 for an exposed person to develop symptoms.
Duration
Symptoms such as fevers etc usually last for around 5 days. Following this you may continue with a cough and weakness for one to two weeks.
Influenza prevention
In order to prevent this infectious disease, it is recommended that you:
• Wash your hands using an anti-bacterial gel after touching surfaces in public places.
• Eat healthy foods and maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle. This will help your immune system fight this sometimes deadly