SEASONAL INFLUENZA
Seasonal Influenza is an acute seasonal respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
TYPES
The virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridia family. They are classified into types A, B، C, and D based on their core proteins.
SYMPTOMS
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have 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.
- Malaise
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
VULNERABLE OR PEOPLE AT MOST RISKS
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal, neurodevelopmental, liver or hematologic diseases
- Children below 5 years of age
- Elderly
- Health-care workers
COMPLICATIONS
- Sinus infections
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Ear infections
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
HOW IT SPREADS?
Experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
DIAGNOSES OF SEASONAL INFLUENZA
Other respiratory viruses i.e., rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza, and adenovirus can also reflect influenza-like illness symptoms. However, the collection of proper respiratory samples and in-depth laboratory investigation can confirm the root cause.
TREATMENT
- People with low or medium risk are treated for symptomatic treatment like fever or pain and are recommended to stay at home to avoid transmission.
- High-risk patients might need a different plan of treatment depending on the physician’s evaluation.
| VACCINATION IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO PREVENT THE DISEASE |
PREVENTION
- Other than vaccines or flu shots, influenza can be avoided by:
- Good respiratory hygiene: applying cough and sneezing etiquette.
- If symptomize, self-isolate early on to prevent infecting others.
- Regular handwashing and sanitizing.
- Avoiding close contact with sick people.
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth
- Clean and sterilize frequently used surfaces and tools
HOW CAN ARMADA HEALTH CARE HELP?
We at Al Hafiz Health care facility, have a comprehensive multi-specialty setup and competent team to take care of you the best through prevention, systematic diagnosis, and treatment.
REFERENCES
- Abu Dhabi Health Authority (DHA) Seasonal Influenza Awareness Guide (2023-2022)
