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Disease Insights: influenza





Welcome to the ultimate guide on influenza. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.


Description for influenza

A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, leading to fever, cough, and fatigue.

Symptoms of influenza

cough, fatigue, fever, muscle aches, sore throat

Precautions for influenza

Get the flu vaccine annually, Practice good hand hygiene, Avoid contact with sick individuals, Rest and hydrate during illness

Questions Covered:


  • what is influenza?
  • What are the usual symptoms of influenza?
  • How do doctors usually figure out if someone has influenza, diagnosis?
  • How do doctors usually treat influenza?
  • What are the ways to prevent influenza?

Answers:



Question: what is influenza?

Type A influenza is a common infection that can cause widespread flu outbreaks. It can cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Influenza ' also known as the flu ' is a contagious viral infection that attacks your respiratory system.
Influenza viruses that infect humans can be classified into three main groups: A, B, and C. Type A influenza infection can be serious and cause widespread outbreaks and disease.
Common symptoms of type A infection can be confused with other conditions. While in some milder cases the flu can resolve on its own without significant symptoms, severe cases of type A influenza can be life-threatening.


Question: What are the usual symptoms of influenza?

Unlike a common cold, the flu typically occurs with a sudden onset of symptoms. Common signs of an influenza infection include:
coughing
runny or stuffy nose
sneezing
sore throat
fever
headache
fatigue
chills
body aches
Sometimes, influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. However, if symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, schedule a visit with your doctor.
People who are at high risk for flu complications, such as those who are 65 years old and up or who have weakened immune systems, should seek immediate medical treatment. In rare cases, the flu can be deadly.
Left untreated, the flu can cause:
ear infection
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
dizziness
abdominal pain
chest pain
asthma attack
pneumonia
bronchitis
cardiac issues


Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has influenza, diagnosis?

Before treating your condition, your doctor will need to check for the influenza virus. The preferred test is the rapid molecular assay. In this procedure, your doctor swabs your nose or throat. The test will detect influenza viral RNA within 30 minutes or less.
Results aren't always accurate, and your doctor may have to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms or other flu tests.


Question: How do doctors usually treat influenza?

In some cases, influenza A symptoms can clear on their own with ample rest and fluid intake. In other cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication to fight the infection.
Common antiviral prescriptions include:
zanamivir (Relenza)
oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
peramivir (Rapivab)
These medications, known as neuraminidase inhibitors, reduce the ability of the influenza virus to spread from cell to cell, slowing down the infection process.
Though effective, these medications can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms or if your condition worsens, stop using the prescription and visit your doctor immediately.
A new medication called baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), created by a Japanese pharmaceutical company, was approved in October 2018 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
. This antiviral drug helps stop the influenza virus from replicating.
Over-the-counter medication therapy can also ease flu symptoms. Be sure to stay hydrated to loosen mucus in your chest and strengthen your immune system.
How long is it contagious?
If you have the flu, you're contagious from at least a day before you begin to experience symptoms up through five days after your symptoms begin.
In more severe cases, you could be contagious for even longer after you begin experiencing symptoms. This number can fluctuate if your immune system is weak or undeveloped, specifically in cases of children or older adults.


Question: What are the ways to prevent influenza?

The best way to prevent the flu is through annual vaccinations. Each flu shot protects against three to four
different influenza viruses within that year's flu season.
Other ways to prevent spreading this disease include:
washing your hands regularly
avoiding large crowds, specifically during a flu outbreak
covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
staying home if you develop a fever and for at least 24 hours after it goes away







Conclusion & Takeaways


Learning about influenza is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.