Influenza:Viral Infection of the Respiratory System

Introdution to Influenza:

Influenza attached as Flu is the viral infection of the respiratory system, it is typically transmitted from one person to another. It mainly effects the nose and throat as well as the bronchi and in some instances the casualty ends up with serious complications.

Family Classification of Influenza Viruses:

Influenza viruses are classified into subtypes depending on the type of a protein in their coat:

• Influenza A
• Influenza B
• Influenza C
• Influenza D

Symptoms:

Some of the most common symptoms of flu include:

• High temperature.
• Dry cough.
• Irritated pharyngeal mucosa.
• Obstructed nasal cavity with or without nasal discharge.
• Muscle pain, and pain in the whole body.
• Ill feeling generally.

Transmission:

The agents of infection are transmitted by virtue of:

• Dramatic exchanges of droplets.
• Self-contamination after handling the items that the sick person had contact with.
• Shaking hands with sick persons.

Complications:

Serious complications can include:

• Lobar pneumonia.
• Inflammation of bronchial tubes.
• Sphenoid sinus on non-contact side go pustular.
• Myocystitis.

History and Epidemiology of the Flu:

The history of influenza is very wide. Illness as such could be traced back to the times of ancient societies “the bombs go off” the word flu came from the vocab of Italian. The first truly documented pandemic divided a year as it started and singularly moved. Notable strains responsible for pandemics were identified.

Pandemic, known as Spanish flu, and emerged during World War I, were extremely virulent.

• 1957 H2N2, Asian flu.
• 1968 H3N2, Hong Kong flu.
• 2009 H1N1, Swine flu.

There is sub actualisation of those people where everybody is concerned accepting that the normal seasonal flu blights populations. Flu is, on the epidemiology, in general droplet infection. Vaccination and surveillance have been of great importance in the control and prevention of such outbreaks.

Subtypes of the Types of Influenza Virus (A, B, C, D):

Influenza viruses are divided into four basic types depending on the viral characteristics:

Influenza-A:

• Very mutable, follows the continents for flu pandemics.
• Present in man, birds and other animals.
• Subtyped by the two proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).

Influenza-B:

• Less antigenically drifted in most seasons as in A viruses, basically the causes for achieving periodic seasonal flu epidemics.
• This type occurs only in humans.
• There are no subtypes but the strains are grouped in to two lineages, Victoria and Yamagata.

Influenza-C:

• Normally catalyze mild illness related to respiratory infection.
• Causes infection in human and swine.
• They are relatively rare and of non senders type.

Influenza-D:

• This is affecting the animals, particularly the domesticated animals such as cattle.
• It is not clear whether or not this virus infects humans.

An understanding of these types is essential in coming up with most efficacious preventive and treatment avenues.

Signs and Symptoms of the Flu:

The flu disease which is a result of an infection with the influenza virus exhibits many different features including fever and cough, usually increasing in cases over a very short period of time. The most prevalent include:

• Fever or chills.
• Cough.
• Sore or scratchy throat.
• Runny or stuffy (nasal) nose.
• Muscle or body aches.
• Headaches.
• Tiredness/Fatigue.
• Vomiting, as well as diarrhea, which is more common in young children, also tend to occur among a segment of the patients.

Besides these, complications may occur particularly in the vulnerable populations of the young, older persons and people with long term illnesses. It is important to note that one of the characteristics of flu that enables diagnosis is that the onset of their symptoms is acute unlike in a cold where this happens slowly and the illness is usually less severe.

Clinical Diagnosis of Influenza:

Healthcare service practitioners adopt the following techniques in order to diagnose the flu:

• Clinical Assessment: Providers examine the patients for signs of fever, cough, throat soreness, overdose, and malaise.
• Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs): These are the antigen tests for influenza virus and can give results in 10-15minutes.
• Rapid Molecular Assays: They are more specific and sensitive than RIDTs and give results in 15-20 minutes by identifying the virus’ nucleic acid.
• RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction): This type of test detects the RNA of the influenza virus thus is the most widely used diagnostic test for influenza virus.
• Viral Culture: This technique is more accurate in detecting influenza viruses, however, it takes several days for the results to come out.

It is quite common to evaluate the symptoms of the patients and rely on these tests for diagnosis.

Flu-Related Syndromic Complications:

However, the flu virus does not just end up as a common cold; it carries with it a pedigree of complications, especially for the at-risk population. The common complications include:

• Pneumonia: This is defined as acute inflammation of the lung parenchyma that may be fatal especially in older persons and those with co-morbidities.
• Bronchitis: This may be acute or chronic in which case the inflammatory and infectious process extends to the bronchi and their branches and often requires treatment.
• Sinusitis and Otitis Media: As it commonly occurs, secondary bacterial infections develop especially in young children as they are common causes.
• Worsening Of Underlying Illnesses: The flu can amplify the symptoms of pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, asthma or even diabetes.
• Fluid Deficiency: More than any other age group, the young and the older peoples stand the highest risk of dehydration particularly because there is high fluid loss.
• Sepsis of the Body: This is a life threatening assault from the body upon itself, and leads to multiple organ dysfunction.

Spreading of the Flu:

Infected people mainly spread flu viruses through respiratory droplets when they cough, cold, or sneeze. These droplets may land on the mouths or noses of nearby people or be inhaled into the lungs.

• Basic Way of Infection: It is possible to touch a surface or object that has been contaminated with the virus and to touch the mouth, nose or the eyes.
• Inhalation Method of infection: Infection is effected through breathing in viral laden droplets that one might not be close to.
• Proximity Method of infection: Those in proximity of the disease i.e. six feet or less from the infected person are more susceptible to the virus.

It is at its most contagious three to four days within the onset of the disease in the person with the flu.

At-Risk Groups:

While there are various flu complications, some groups are more likely to suffer the severe complications than others. Such individuals need to pay extra care and attention such risks:

• Children, especially those below one year of age: More so for children under age 5.
• Older people: Above the age of 65 years and above.
• Pregnant women: Regardless of the gestational age.
• Patients with chronic diseases: Such as those with asthma, those suffering from diabetes and heart disease.

Others at higher risk include but not limited to these:

• Staff in nursing homes for instance: Or other long-term care facilities.
• Native Americans and Alaska Natives: Higher rates of complications observed.
• People who have High weight: Especially those whose BMI is greater than 40.

Preventive Measures and Vaccination for Influenza:

Prevention of flu is possible through a number of ways that are aimed at minimizing the prevalence of illness. A few of these are:

• Hand Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer and rinse on water frequently.
• Respiratory Etiquette: There should be covering of the mouth and nose with a tissue or with the inner surface of the elbow when one coughs or sneezes.
• Avoiding Close Contact: Persons who are poorly are to be kept away by way of social distancing.
• Cleaning and disinfecting: This is the practice of cleaning surfaces of high touch on a regular basis.
• Proper diet and exercise: Immunity is a product of a healthy way of life.

Vaccination:

• Annual flu shot: It is known for any person above the age of six months.
• Types of Vaccines: Such are inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV).
• Timing: Though flu vaccination can be carried out at any period of occurrence of flu, it is recommended that this exercise be completed by the end of October.

Treatment Options for the Flu:

To relieve the symptoms of the influenza virus and make recovery easier, different treatment options are offered and these include:

Antiviral Medications:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanimivir (Relenza)
• Peramiir (Rapivab)
• Baloxavir (Xofluza)

You should use these medications within 48 hours of symptom development, as they work best within this time frame.

Non-prescription Drugs:

• Pain relievers: Such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Decongestants: Administered to relieve nasal congestion.
• Coughing: Compression thickens saliva in an effort to this ease coughing.

Natural Cures:

• Rest and Hydration: Getting enough sleep and the amount of fluid that is sufficient.
• Steam Inhalation: Works in relieving congested nose.
• Warm Fluids: Soups and teas serve to wet the throat and rehydrate.

Home Remedies and Care Tips for Influenza:

Proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water is paramount. Take enough rest to enable the body to fight off the virus. Drink plenty of water, herbal tea or clear broth to prevent dehydration.

Diet and Supplements:

• Vitamin C: Helps improve immunity.
• Elderberry Syrup: Lessens flu symptoms in children.
• Zinc: Helps in reducing the period of the flu.

Comfort Measures:

• Gargling warm salty water can relieve a sore throat.
• Use a vaporizer or humidifier to ensure the air is moist.
• Warm compresses can be used for sinus pain.

Other Recommendations:

• Avoid Alcohol: It can cause dehydration as well as suppress immune response.
• Stay Home: Stay away from people to limit the spread of the virus.
• Monitor Symptoms: If the signs get worse feel free to get assistance.

The Purpose of the Antivirals for Influenza:

Virals include medication used. Due to their employment, flu symptoms may be less agonizing and shorter-lived. The medication is most effective when administered not later than two days from the onset of symptoms. There are three antiviral chemicals that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration which are oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza).

• Oseltamivir: Indicated for all ages.
• Zanamivir: Delivered via inhalation, contraindicated in individuals with obstruction to airflow.
• Baloxavir marboxil: Intended for treatment in one dose, indicated for people 12 years and over.

Healthcare experts may prescribe these medicine doses in order to prevent complications, especially in the vulnerable population. The common side-effects include vomiting and nausea.

Difference Between Influenza virus and Cold virus:

It is important to define and understand the cold flu and common cold so that the treatment will be administered as required.

Symptoms:

Flu:

• Sweating fever.
• Joint or muscle pains.
• Feeling tired.
• Abruptly.

Common Cold:

• No symptoms observed.
• Mild fever.
• Nasal congestion or running.
• Develops over time.

Duration:

• Flu: 1-2 weeks on average.
• Common Cold: Few days up to one week and the symptoms go away.

Complications:

Flu:

• It can result to pneumonia.
• May need hospital care.

Common Cold:

Few exacerbations if any are there.

Virus Types:

• Flu: It pertains to infections that are due to the influenza viruses.
• Common Cold: Infection is typically due to rhinoviruses.

In general, both diseases vary in terms of their description and the treatment and prevention strategies.

Comparative Analysis Between Seasonal Influenza and Pandemic Influenza:

It is essential to note the seasonal and pandemic differences when dealing with influenza.

Seasonal Flu:

• The disease comes as an annual attack around the fall and winter months.
• The cause of the disease is the influenza A and B viruses.
• Fever, cough, body aches and tiredness among the patients are the prevalent symptoms.

Pandemic Flu:

• The skin conditions are less frequent but are associated with wide-scope epidemics.
• The causative agents are different groups of influenza A viruses.
• Morbidity and mortality rates of the pandemic flu are higher than those of the seasonal ones.
• There was poor herd immunity against the new viruses.

Healthcare Impact:

• Seasonal flu strains healthcare resources but regularly manageable.
• Pandemic flu can overwhelm healthcare facilities.

Social Impact:

• Among the groups is the infant and older people, but this is usually the seasonal flu.
• The pandemic flu cases involve different peoples which disturb the societies tension.

Workplace and School Flu Plans:

Most schools and workplaces must establish clear and effective plans to combat flu and other repetitive outbreaks.

Workplace Flu Plans:

• Encourage Flu Vaccinations: Give directions on where flu shots can be accessed.
• Promoting Hygiene: Disburse hand sanitizers and tissues.
• Sick Leave Policies: Request employees to avoid going to work when ill.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Considering the option of telework.
• Communicate: Making flu updates and education on the development to the staff.

School Flu Plans:

• Vaccination Campaigns: Work with community health departments.
• Hygiene Education: Explain the skill of washing hands properly.
• Absence Monitoring: Review the absenteeism pattern over time.
• Disinfect: Disinfect high contact areas on a continuous basis.
• Isolation Protocols: Develop procedures for dealing with ill students and employees.

Economic and Social Impact of the Flu:

TThe public health problem associated with the flu has economic and social consequences on the society. Every year flu season comes and statistics indicate that there is a rise in health expenses such as hospital admission, doctor’s visits, and purchases of drugs for counteracting the flu. Sick employees taking leave severely impacts the workforce, harming productivity and wealth. Illness among students and teachers disrupts schools, leading to closures.

• Healthcare Expenses: More admissions into health institutions, more visits to outpatient clinics, more drugs are on sale.
• Workforce Performance: Sick leave, Less Efficiency.
• Education Impact: School closure, absentee students.

In addition, flu pandemics worsen these problems as well, leading to civil unrest, first-aid shortages, and economic aftermaths for years to come. These effective flows of interaction between the authorities of the public health including the local communities ought to minimize these effects.

Future Prospects and Research in Influenza Prevention:

Researchers are looking for new ways to prevent and eliminate influenza. Current studies are centered on:

• Universal Vaccines: Inclusion of a number of gene sequences for the development of a vaccine that will provide a cure for humnity in the future.
• Antiviral drugs: Increasing the effectiveness and minimizing resistance to existing antiviral therapy.
• Nanodesign: Placing emphasis on nanocarriers for site-specific delivery of drugs and vaccines.
• Targeted therapies for the host: Looking into improvements that increase the immunity against the flu virus.
• Genetic studies: Concentrating on genetic factors of influenza viruses to control pandemics.

“The long-term objective is to present an overall strategy dealing with several aspects of the prevention of influenza infections.”