influenza

2. Definition
• Influenza is also called flu.
• Flu is a contagious respiratory illness
caused by influenza viruses that infect
the nose, throat, and sometimes the
lungs.
• For most people, influenza resolves on its
own. But sometimes, influenza and its
complications can be deadly.

3. People at higher risk of developing flu
complications include:
• Young children under age 5, and especially those under 12 months
• Adults older than age 65
• Pregnant women
• People with weakened immune systems
• People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney
disease, liver disease and diabetes
• People who are very obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or
higher
• Though the annual influenza vaccine isn't 100 percent effective, it's still
your best defense against the flu.

5. Influenza A
• That typically infect and transmit among one animal species sometimes
can cross over and cause illness in another species.
• influenza A viruses may be transmitted from animals to humans in two
main ways:
 Directly from birds or from avian influenza A virus-contaminated
environments to people.
 Through an intermediate host, such as a pig.
• Type A flu virus is constantly changing and is generally responsible for
the large flu epidemics.
• The influenza A virus is spread by people who are already infected.
• The most common flu hot spots are those surfaces that an
 infected person has touched
 rooms where he has been recently, especially areas where he has been
sneezing.

6. Influenza B
• Unlike type influenza A, influenza B is
found only in humans.
• This virus can only be spread from
human to human
• Influenza B may cause a less severe
reaction than Influenza A, but
occasionally, Influenza B can still be
extremely harmful.

7. Influenza c
Influenza C viruses are also found in people.
People generally do not become very ill from the influenza
C viruses.
Influenza C do not cause epidemics.
This virus may be spread from person to person through
respiratory droplets or by fomites (non-living material)
due to itsabilityto surviveon surfacesfor shortdurations.

8. Influenza D
• Influenzavirus D is less common than
the other antigenic types, and it is not
known to cause any human infections.
• Influenza D viruses are known to infect
pigs and cattle; no human infections
from this virus have been observed

9. Common signs and symptoms :
• Fever over 100.4 F (38 C)
• Aching muscles
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry, persistent cough
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nasal congestion
• Sore throat
In some cases, may also have symptoms such as:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Most children recover from the flu within a week. But they may still feel very
tired for as long as 3 to 4 weeks.

10. Causes
• These viruses spread when people with flu cough, sneeze or
talk, sending droplets with the virus into the air and
potentially into the mouths or noses of people who are
nearby.
• Touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then
touching your own mouth, eyes or nose.

11. Prevent• The bestway to preventflu is to have theyearlyfluvaccine.
 Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about how vaccines work and how
well they prevent flu.
• Keep yourdistance.
 It’s easy to pass on germs when you live in close . Avoid close contact with friends, and family
members if you have the flu or a cold. Tell them you're sick and you don't want them to catch
what you have.
• Stayhome.
 If you feel sick, don't go to school / work.
 An adult can infect other people one day before symptoms show up and up to 5 days after
they start. You could spread flu to others before you know you're sick. If you go back to work
or school within 5 days after your symptoms started, chances you’re still contagious.
• Coveryourmouthand nose whenyou sneezeor cough .
 This goes a long way toward protecting others from your germs. Use a tissue or the inside of
your elbow. Afterward, toss the tissue and wash your hands thoroughly to remove germs.
 Don't Touch Your Face with unwashed hands; it’s the easiest way for germs to enter your
body.

12. Prevent
• Eat Healthy and balanced meals to strengthen your
immune system.
• Exercise boosts your immune system and speeds
recovery from illness.
• Washyourhands.
 This is the best way to prevent the spread of the flu.
 Alcohol-based hand disinfectants work great, too.
 Wash or disinfect your hands any time you touch a sick
person might have handled, Computer keyboards,
telephones, after use restroom and doorknobs