2. WHAT IS INFLUENZA?
Influenza, commonly called
"the flu," is an illness caused
by RNA viruses of
the family Orthomyxoviridae
the influenza viruses that
infect the respiratory tract of
many animals, birds, and
humans.
3. INFLUENZA VIRUSES ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE TYPES:
Influenza A
Influenza B
Influenza C
4. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Fever (usually 100 F-103 F
in adults and often even
higher in children)
Cough,
Sore throat,
Runny or stuffy nose,
Headache,
Muscle aches,
Extreme fatigue
5. MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Influenza is spread
mainly from person to
by droplet
or droplet
person
infection
nuclei
sneezing,
talking. The portal
created by
coughing or
of
entry of the virus is the
respiratory tract.
6. DIAGNOSIS
Virus
Nasopharyngeal
Isolation
secretions
are the best specimens for
obtaining large quantities of
virus–infected cells.
Paired Sera
A sero diagnosis of influenza
A or B can be made by the
examination of two serum
specimens from a patient.
7. PREVENTION
Vaccine:
The ―flu shot‖ — an
inactivated vaccine
(containing killed virus) that is
given with a needle, usually
in the arm.
The nasal-spray flu
vaccine — a vaccine made
with live, weakened flu
viruses that is given as a
nasal spray (sometimes
called LAIV for ―Live
Influenza
Attenuated
Vaccine‖).
8. MEDICATIONS
Increasing liquid intake, warm
showers, and warm
compresses, especially in the
nasal area, can reduce the
body aches and reduce nasal
congestion. Nasal strips and
humidifiers may help reduce
congestion, especially while
trying to sleep. Fever can be
treated with over-the counter
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
or ibuprofen (Motrin and
others)
