Influenza (The Flu)
Definition:
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching and often occurring in epidemics. Types of Virus: Influenza virus A
Influenza virus C First Discovered: 1918 Signs and Symptoms:
Diagnosis: Method1 Types Detected Acceptable Specimens2 Viral tissue cell culture (conventional; yields live virus) A and B NP4 swab, throat swab, NP2 or bronchial wash, nasal or endotracheal aspirate, sputum Rapid cell culture (shell vials; cell mixtures; yields live virus) A and B As above Immunofluorescence, Direct (DFA) or Indirect (IFA) Florescent Antibody Staining [antigen detection] A and B NP4 swab or wash, bronchial wash, nasal or endotracheal aspirate RT-PCR5 (singleplex and multiplex; real-time and other RNA-based) and other molecular assays [influenza viral RNA or nucleic acid detection] A and B NP4 swab, throat swab, NP2 or bronchial wash, nasal or endotracheal aspirate, sputum Rapid Molecular Assay [influenza viral RNA or nucleic acid detection] A and B NP4 swab, nasal aspirate, wash, swab Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests6 (antigen detection) A and B NP4 swab, (throat swab), nasal wash, nasal aspirate Causes: People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose. Prevention: To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick. It is important to wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick should not be shared without washing thoroughly first. Eating utensils can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water with soap and do not need to be cleaned separately. Further, frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill. Treatment:Usually, you'll need nothing more than bed rest and plenty of fluids to treat the flu. But in some cases, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir. If taken soon after you notice symptoms, these drugs may shorten your illness by a day or so and help prevent serious complications. Fatality Rate: 0.02% (this is because modern medicine have helped us, go a few decades back and it would have been 20%) |
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