Flu: prevention, consequences, and treatment
Definition of influenza
Influenza, also known as the flu, is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and can lead to varying degrees of severity of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, weakness, and general malaise. The flu is a widely prevalent seasonal illness that can cause serious complications in particularly vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Etiology of influenza
Influenza, caused by influenza viruses A, B, and C, is an acute respiratory disease. Influenza viruses A and B account for the majority of cases in humans. The main sources of influenza in people are infected individuals, often asymptomatic, as well as virus carriers before symptoms appear.
- Influenza Virus A: This virus is one of the main causes of influenza in humans and can cause serious epidemics and pandemics.
- Influenza Virus B: This virus can also cause respiratory infections in humans, but its role is usually less significant than that of Virus A.
- Influenza Virus C: Typically causes milder forms of the disease in humans, although it can also lead to respiratory symptoms.
- Tendency to affect the respiratory tract: Influenza is characterized by affecting the upper and lower respiratory tracts, making it a primary focus in respiratory diseases.
- Lack of sustainable immunity: As influenza viruses constantly mutate, a person may become ill even after previous contact with the virus due to changes in its structure.
Clinical picture of influenza
Flu often starts suddenly, with pronounced general malaise, weakness, headache, fever, and muscle aches. Dry cough, sore throat, and disturbances of smell and taste are also characteristic. Some patients may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or sleep disorders. In more severe cases of the flu, complications such as pneumonia, angina, bronchitis, or even thrombosis may occur.
- General malaise: sudden onset with pronounced weakness and headache.
- Fever: increase in body temperature, often accompanied by chills.
- Muscle pain: feeling of pain and fatigue in muscles throughout the body.
- Dry cough: non-productive coughing condition.
- Disruption of smell and taste: decreased or lost ability to sense smells and taste.
Experts’ views on flu treatment
Experts in the field of infectious diseases believe that for successful treatment of the flu, it is important to start using antiviral medications at the first signs of illness. Medications such as oseltamivir and zanamivir can shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the risk of complications.
Additionally, experts recommend the mandatory use of antipyretics to lower high fever and analgesics to relieve muscle aches. However, it is important not to abuse these medications, as this can cause side effects. Some specialists also emphasize the importance of rest and hydration to accelerate recovery from the flu.
Methods for diagnosing influenza
Various methods are used for the diagnosis of influenza, including laboratory and instrumental studies. One of the main methods is the detection of the influenza virus in the clinical material of the patient using molecular biological methods, such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Additionally, immunological tests, such as neutralization test or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, may be conducted to clarify the diagnosis.
The clinical picture of the disease, epidemiological data, and laboratory results help doctors establish the correct diagnosis of influenza. It is important to remember that early diagnosis allows for timely treatment and helps prevent possible complications.
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction): a method for detecting the influenza virus by amplifying and identifying its genetic material in a clinical sample.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay: a test based on the interaction of antibodies with influenza virus antigens to identify its presence.
- Immunological tests: include methods such as neutralization assay for detecting antibodies to the influenza virus in the body.
- Clinical picture of the disease: symptoms and characteristics of the illness can help the doctor suspect the presence of influenza in the patient.
- Epidemiological data: information about influenza outbreaks and contact with infected individuals can also be an important factor for diagnosing the disease.
Influenza therapy
Treatment of influenza is aimed at alleviating symptoms, reducing the duration of the illness, and preventing complications. The main methods of therapy include taking analgesics and antipyretics to lower fever and relieve pain, as well as the use of antiviral medications that can shorten the duration of the illness and the severity of its course. Important measures also include adhering to bed rest, staying hydrated, and regularly ventilating the room. In some cases, hospitalization may be required to monitor and treat severe complications, especially in at-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
- Antiviral drugs: In some patients with influenza, the use of antiviral agents such as oseltamivir or zanamivir can reduce the duration and severity of the illness.
- Taking analgesics and antipyretics: Using medications to lower fever and relieve pain is a standard method in the treatment of influenza.
- Bed rest: It is important to rest and stay in bed during illness to give the body a chance to fight the infection.
- Abundant drinking: Maintaining hydration helps to moisten mucous membranes and facilitate expectoration, which can ease influenza symptoms.
- Regular ventilation of the room: Fresh air helps improve gas exchange and creates a more favorable environment for recovery from respiratory infections.
Measures to prevent influenza
Influenza prevention includes vaccination as the main method of disease prevention. Annual vaccination is recommended for the most vulnerable population groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic diseases. Moreover, important preventive measures include following hygiene rules, such as regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick individuals, and wearing masks during an epidemic.
When in crowded places, one should avoid touching the face with hands, as this can contribute to the transmission of the influenza virus. Taking measures to strengthen immunity, including a healthy lifestyle, adequate sleep, and moderate physical activity, also contributes to the prevention of the disease.
- Vaccination: Vaccination is an effective method of preventing influenza, especially for at-risk groups.
- Hygienic measures: Regular and thorough hand washing helps prevent the transmission of the influenza virus.
- Avoiding contact with the sick: It is important to avoid close contact with people suffering from influenza.
- Use of masks: During an influenza epidemic, wearing masks helps prevent the transmission of the virus through droplets.
- Strengthening immunity: A healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity, and proper nutrition help strengthen the body’s immune system and make it less susceptible to diseases.
Amazing facts about influenza
Influenza is an acute viral disease that has existed for many centuries and can sometimes cause pandemics with serious consequences for health and the economy. The extraordinarily high mutation rate of the influenza virus necessitates the regular updating of vaccines for effective population protection. Interestingly, influenza often leads to acute respiratory diseases, pneumonia, and in the case of complications, can result in death, especially among people with weakened immune systems or those belonging to at-risk groups.
FAQ
What symptoms accompany the flu?
Influenza is characterized by a sudden onset with pronounced symptoms such as high fever, general weakness, headache, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, and rhinitis. In some cases, symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract may occur, such as nausea and vomiting.
What preventive methods for influenza are recommended for individuals at high risk?
Individuals in the high-risk group for complications from influenza are advised to receive vaccination at the beginning of the flu season to prevent illness or alleviate its course. In addition, adhering to hygiene standards, such as regular hand washing, avoiding contact with the sick, and wearing masks during the epidemic period, may help reduce the risk of influenza infection in individuals susceptible to complications.
How does the flu affect the population in summer?
Influenza typically manifests in the fall and winter months; however, cases of illness can also be observed in the summer. The population can also be at risk of infection during warm periods, although the number of cases usually decreases due to less contact and the spread of the virus at higher temperatures. Some countries, where the climate allows, may encounter summer flu epidemics and take measures to control the spread of the infection.
What recommendations should be followed when returning to work after influenza illness?
After influenza illness, it is recommended to observe retrospective isolation and not return to work until the level of infectiousness significantly decreases, which usually occurs about 5-7 days after the onset of the illness, if there are no complications. Returning to work should be coordinated with a doctor or medical professional to ensure full recovery and minimize the risk of transmitting the infection to others.