Dr. Sanoop Kumar Sherin Sabu ,( M.B.B.S., M.D., Gen Med Resident )
It Is a infection affecting the airways- throat, lungs. It is caused by an virus called influenza viruses. There are 4 types of influenza -types A, B, C and D. Influenza A and B viruses are most common cause for sesonaly flu. Sesonal flu is symptoms like running nose, fever, body pain, cough or pneumonia which happen during September to December of every year. There are different types of Influneza A based on its structure. Like h1n1, H3N2, etc.
What are its symptoms ?
It can be cough (usually dry cough), headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and a runny nose. When severe it can cause breathing difficulty, pneumonia and serious disease.
How does it spread?
- It spreads from one person to other through direct contact . it can also spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets containing viruses (infectious droplets) are dispersed into the air and can spread up to one meter, and infect persons in close proximity who breathe these droplets in.
- In places with temperate climate, It occur mainly during winter season. Example in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, the seasonal flu happen during September to December etc.
- In tropical regions (south India , Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh) influenza can occur in any season.
Who are the people at risk of getting infected?
- Pregnant women, children less than 2 months age, people with disease like cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, HIV aids, people on steroids, uncontrolled diabetes.
- Health care workers like doctors, nurse or other hospital workers are also at high risk
- People living in crowded areas, slums, hostels, old age homes or camps are also at high risk of getting infected.
How can we diagnose the seasonal flu?
Mostly we diagnose clinically and treat it. While special test of the throat or nose swab can be done to detect the virus.
How is it treated
In early stage oral drugs are effective. While in advanced staged admission and treatment is required to avoid the complications.
Prevention
- Vaccination ( Read next article for details)
- After being exposed to a confirmed patient of influenza , drugs can be used to prevent occurrence of influenza
- Follow social distancing
- Regular hand washing with proper drying of the hands
- Good respiratory hygiene – covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly
- Early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza
- Avoiding close contact with sick people
- Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth
Possible Complications
If not treated early the infection can worsen and affect the lungs severely to cause pneumonia, breathing difficulty and even death.
Useful one and simple
Informative and apt for the present time. As always Dr Sanoop never disappoints his patients and students.
Thank you doctor🙏🏻
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