We may be in the midst of the winter season, but flu season is in full swing and it is important to be aware of the dangers associated with influenza. Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is estimated that in the United States alone, the flu is responsible for millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year.
Causes of Influenza
The most common cause of influenza is infection with certain strains of the influenza virus. These viruses are divided into four main categories — influenza A, B, C, and D — and are classified by their outer proteins, known as antigens. Influenza A and B are known to cause the most severe forms of the disease and are highly contagious. These viruses can spread from person to person through the air via coughs and sneezes, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces.
In addition to being spread by viruses, influenza can also be caused by bacteria. Bacterial infections that can lead to the flu include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria can be spread through direct contact with an infected person, or through contact with contaminated objects or surfaces.
Environmental factors can also contribute to the spread of the flu. For example, the flu is more likely to spread in close quarters, such as in schools, daycare centers, and nursing homes. It can also be spread more easily in cold weather, when people are more likely to stay indoors and in close proximity to others.
The flu can also be caused by exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants. Exposure to air pollution can aggravate respiratory illnesses like the flu, and people in areas with high levels of air pollution are more likely to develop flu-like symptoms. In some cases, exposure to certain chemicals, such as chlorine or ammonia, can also increase the risk of getting the flu.
Finally, certain lifestyle factors can increase a person’s risk of developing influenza. People who smoke cigarettes or live in crowded and unsanitary conditions are more likely to develop the flu. Additionally, people who are immunocompromised — due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes — are at an increased risk of contracting the flu.
Symptoms of Influenza
The most common symptoms of influenza are fever, chills, body aches, headache, sore throat, and fatigue. Individuals with the flu may also experience nasal congestion, runny nose, and a dry cough. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, though they are more common in children.
The most prominent symptom of influenza is fever. People with influenza often develop a fever of 100.4°F or higher. They may also experience chills and shaking, as the body tries to raise its temperature to fight the virus.
Body aches, which usually affect the muscles, are also common with the flu. These aches can range from mild to severe and can affect the entire body. In addition, people with the flu may experience a severe headache and a sore throat.
Fatigue is another common symptom of influenza. This fatigue is often described as a feeling of complete exhaustion. People with the flu may have little to no energy and may feel too tired to complete simple tasks.
Other common symptoms of influenza include nasal congestion, runny nose, and a dry cough. These may persist for a few days after other symptoms have diminished. Nasal congestion may make it difficult to breathe, while a dry cough may cause discomfort and difficulty sleeping.
In some cases, individuals with the flu may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms are more common in children, as they may struggle to replace fluids lost due to vomiting and diarrhea.
Diagnosis of Influenza
The first step in diagnosing influenza is to take a thorough medical history. A physician will ask about the patient’s symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, and body aches, as well as any known exposures to the virus, such as contact with someone who has the flu. A physical exam may also be performed to check for signs of inflammation in the throat or lung tissue.
The most commonly used method for diagnosing influenza is the rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). This test uses nasal swabs to collect respiratory secretions from the patient and then tests these samples for the presence of the influenza virus. The results of this test are typically available within 15 minutes.
The next step in diagnosing influenza is to perform a viral culture, which involves taking a sample of the patient’s nasal secretions and transferring it to a medium that allows the virus to grow. The sample is then incubated for 2-3 days and the presence of the influenza virus is detected by microscopy. This test is more accurate than the RIDT, however it takes longer to get results (3-7 days).
Serologic tests are also used to diagnose influenza. These tests involve taking a blood sample from the patient and testing it for the presence of antibodies that indicate exposure to the virus. This test can also indicate whether the virus is a type A or type B strain, as well as whether the patient has had the virus before. Unlike the RIDT and viral culture tests, the results of serologic tests can take several days to weeks to obtain.
Once influenza is diagnosed, a physician may classify the severity of the infection as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild cases typically involve mild symptoms, such as a low-grade fever, mild sore throat, and occasional body aches. Moderate cases involve more severe symptoms, such as high fever, severe muscle aches, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases involve serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and sepsis.
Prevention of Influenza
One of the most effective ways to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot. The flu vaccine is made up of killed viruses, which stimulates the body’s immune system to recognize and fight the virus if it is ever encountered. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older should get vaccinated as soon as possible. The vaccine is updated each year to include the viruses that are most likely to be circulating.
A healthy lifestyle is another important way to reduce the risk of infection. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of becoming ill. Adequate rest and stress relief are also important. It is especially important to wash hands often with soap and water, and avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are all entry points for the virus.
It is also important to be aware of the symptoms of the flu, which include fever, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, cough, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. If any of these symptoms arise, it is important to seek medical attention to determine whether or not it is the flu.
It is important to take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others. People who are infected should stay home and limit contact with others. If they must go out in public, they should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing, and wash their hands often. They can even wear a mask.
By following the guidelines outlined above, the risk of becoming infected with the flu can be significantly reduced. With proper prevention and awareness, the flu season can be a healthy and safe one for all.
Treatment of Influenza
Antiviral medications are the most common treatment for influenza and are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset. Common antiviral drugs include oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza). These medications can help reduce the severity and length of the illness, as well as reduce the risk of complications.
Immunization is the best way to prevent influenza and is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. The influenza vaccine is available in both inactivated and live-attenuated forms. The inactivated vaccine is injected and contains killed virus particles, while the live-attenuated vaccine is given as a nasal spray and contains weakened virus particles. The vaccine is most effective when given before the influenza season begins, usually sometime between October and December.
Supportive care is important for the treatment of influenza, particularly in people at high risk of complications, such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Supportive care includes rest, fluids, and fever control. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce fever and discomfort. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
There are also several home remedies that can be used to treat influenza. These include steam inhalation, drinking warm liquids, using a humidifier, and taking a hot bath or shower. These remedies can help reduce fever, congestion, and muscle aches. It is important to remember that these remedies should not be used in place of medical treatment and should only be used to supplement other treatments.