INFLUENZA

Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It
can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The
flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

Fever* or feeling feverish/chills

Cough

Sore throat

Runny or stuffy nose

Muscle or body aches

Headaches

Fatigue (tiredness)

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

* It's important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

These symptomps typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less
than a week. The cough , however, may last for more than two weeks. In children, there may be
nausea and vomiting , but these are not common in adults. Nausea and vomiting occur more
commonly in the unrelated infection gastroenteritis, which is sometimes inaccuratelyreferred to as
stomach flu or 24-hour flu . complications of influenza may include viral pneumonia, secondary
bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, and worsening of previous health problems such as asthma or
heart failure.

Yearly influenza epidemics can seriously affect all populations, but the highest risk of
complications occur among children younger than age 2 years, adults aged 65 years or older,
pregnant women, people of any age with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart, lung,
kidney liver, blood or metabolic diseases ( such as diabetes ), or weakened immune systems,
travelers and people living abroad.

Influenza spreads easily and can sweep through schools, nursing homes, businesses or
towns. Influenza epidemics occur mainly during winter while in tropical regions, influenza may occur
throughout the year, causing outbreaks more irregularly.
 Influenza occurs globally with an annual attack rate estimated at 5%-10% in adults and 20%-
30% in children. Illnesses can result in hospitalization and death mainly among high-risk groups ( the
very young, elderly or chronically ill ). Worldwide, these annual epidemics are estimated to result in
about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illnes, and about 250.000 to 500.000 deaths.

In industrialized countries most deaths associated with influenza occur among people age 65
or older. Epidemics can result in high levels of worker/school absenteeism and productivity losses.
Clinics and hospitals can be overwbelmed during peak illness periods.

The precise effects of ibfluenza epidemics in developing countries are not known, but
research estimates indicate that a large percent of childs deaths associated with influenza occur in
developing countries every year.

How to avoid risks of influenza includes , people should cover their mouth and nose with a
tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly with soap and water. If soap and water are not
available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who
are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either
in dishwasher or by hand with water and soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Further,
frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work, school, especially if
someone is ill.

But the most effective way to avoid risks of the disease and/or severe outcomes from the
ilness is vaccination. Safe and effective vaccines are available and have been used for more than 60
years. Among healthy adults, influenza vaccinecan provide reasonable protection. However among
the elderly, influenza vaccine may be less effective in preventing illness but may reduce severity of
disease and incidence of complications and deaths.

Vaccination is especially important for peple at higher risk of serious influenza

complications, and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals.

WHO recommends annual vaccination for pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy,
children aged 6 months to 5 years, elderly individuals ( 65 years of age ), individuals with chronic
medical conditions, and health-care workers.