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GETTING TO KNOW INFLUENZA AND AVIAN FLU

Influenza is quite a benign self-limiting viral infection. It is characterized by an abrupt onset of symptoms of fever, headache, body ache and weakness. Its often accompanied by colds or sore throat and dry cough. In children, it can lead to bacterial complication of otitis media (ear infection) or pneumonia. In adults, influenza can debilitate a person who has a weak resistance. In the elderly, pneumonia can be a consequence, which can lead to respiratory failure or septicemia (blood poisoning). With regards to avian flu, it still remains to be mainly a disease of the birds and fowls. But there have been sporadic reports of infection in humans in some Asian countries and have caused death to some of those who got it. Avian flu is a public health concern because the virus responsible for it might cross breed or mutate with the human flu virus, which has a potential for a pandemic disease. There is no vaccine yet since this will be a new strain. Pandemic means, affecting big areas of the population. In the past, there were flu pandemics where death toll was reported in several thousands. WHO NEEDS FLU VACCINE? Persons at increased risk for complications:

Persons 65 years old and above Residents of nursing homes Persons who live with persons with poor health status Adults and children (6 months and above) who are sick many times a year Children and adolescents (6 months to 18 years) who are on aspirin treatment Women who will be in their fourth to ninth month of pregnancy during the influenza season

Persons 50 to 64 years of age Persons who can transmit influenza to those at risk

Doctors, nurses and other health workers that care for the sick Employees of nursing homes or health care facilities Persons who take care of debilitated or persons with chronic illness Household members living with persons at high risk for complications

Because of potential complications, flu vaccine is generally recommended for children and adults over 50 years old, and for anyone who is at risk for complications of influenza. Generally, it is the very young and the very old that need this vaccination most. Others who need the vaccination are those with chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney diseases, chronic heart, liver or lung diseases, cancer patients, on chemotherapy. Health workers or those taking care of the sick are also advised to get flu vaccination. HEALTH TIP: To prevent catching the flu virus, avoid crowded areas and over fatigue. Once you have the symptoms, get enough rest and double your dose of vitamins, including vitamin C.

Title: Getting To Know Influenza and Avian Flu

Summary: This article is about influenza and avian flu, as we all know influenza is a selflimiting viral infection wherein the patient experiences body pain, fever, and cough and colds. On the other hand avian flu is a disease of birds and fowls, however it became sporadic to humans also on some asian countries, Unluckily theres no vaccine yet because it is still a new strain. This article also talks about the prevention and health tips in influenza and of course those who are at risk of it so it could be avoided.

Reaction: I find this article very useful because it makes us much more aware on what to do on influenza especially in the community setting.

Application: I can apply what Ive learned in this article by sharing it to the community if given the chance; I can suggest this as one of the interventions because one of the common diseases in different communities is influenza. Also because of the knowledge Ive acquired from before, I can expand this more and make it a reference to the community people but in Filipino language.