Influenza
What is Influenza (flu)?
·
Influenza is an acute, contagious respiratory
infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate in all parts of the world,
resulting in a year-round disease burden. These viruses infect the nose,
throat, and sometimes the lungs, and can cause a range of illnesses that vary
in severity.
·
Although most people recover from the fever and
other symptoms within a week without medical attention, severe cases of
influenza require hospitalization, and in some instances, the illness can be
fatal. This is especially true for high-risk groups.
·
High-risk groups include;
1.
People aged 65 years and older
2.
Children younger than 2 years
3.
Pregnant women
4.
People with chronic medical conditions,
i.e. asthma, diabetes, heart disease (excluding high
blood pressure), neurological diseases,
5.
Those with disorders that can compromise
respiratory function e.g spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders
6.
People with weakened immune systems,
i.e.,
those undergoing cancer treatment or taking immunosuppressive medications or
HIV
·
However, it is important to note that anyone can
get the flu and experience severe symptoms, even if they are not considered to
be in a high-risk group.
What is the
current status of influenza in Sri Lanka?
·
Being a tropical country in Sri Lanka, influenza
can be seen throughout the year. However, there are two main peaks when there
is a higher number of cases, which is from May to July and from November to
January. Depending on the season, there may be different types of influenza viruses
causing the illness.
How does
influenza spread from one person to another?
·
The virus is typically transmitted through
respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, or sneezes. These droplets
can then be inhaled by someone nearby or picked up by touching a surface
contaminated with the virus (i.e., toys, doorknobs) and then touching the
mouth, nose, or eyes.
When
is an ill person most likely to spread the influenza virus to another?
·
Healthy adults may be able to infect others
starting one day before the symptoms appear and up to a week after getting
sick. However, some individuals with weaker immune systems or children may
remain contagious for a longer period.
When do the symptoms of influenza typically begin
after a person is infected?
The
time it takes for symptoms to appear after a person is infected with the flu
virus is typically 2 days, but it can vary from 1 to 4 days.
What are the
symptoms of influenza?
Flu
symptoms develop rapidly and may include:
·
Fever
·
Cough
·
Sore throat
·
Runny or congested nose
·
Muscle or body aches
·
Headaches
·
Fatigue and feeling unwell
·
Some people may experience vomiting and
diarrhea, more commonly in children than adults.
Diagnosing
influenza
·
It can be challenging to differentiate between
the flu and other respiratory illnesses solely based on symptoms.
·
However, there are diagnostic laboratory tests
that can identify influenza.
Treatment of
influenza
When treating
influenza patients, doctors consider the severity of their illness and their
risk factors and decide on the management.
·
Patients with severe or worsening illness are to be
admitted to the hospital.
·
All pregnant women with symptoms of influenza will be
referred to specialist care.
·
High-risk individuals with mild illness may receive
home care but will be evaluated within 48 hours and request to return if
symptoms worsen.
· All other patients need follow-up evaluation within 72 hours if they fail to improve.
1. When is it
necessary to seek immediate medical attention?
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention if
symptoms persist, worsen, or if any of the following symptoms appear.
For adults;
- Difficulty in breathing
- Continuous vomiting
- Pain or pressure in the
chest or stomach
- Vertigo
- Dizziness or fainting
- Recurrence of fever and
severe cough after recovery of symptom
For children;
- Rapid breathing or
difficulty in breathing
- Bluish or gray skin
- Difficulty or reduced fluids
intake
- Decrease in the amount
of urine passed or decreased tears when crying
- Continuous vomiting
- Decline in response
- Restless behaviour
- Recurrence of fever and
severe cough after recovery of symptom
How to reduce
the risk of getting influenza
·
Wash hands frequently with soap and water
·
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
·
Cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with tissue or
handkerchief
·
Or cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing by lifting the arm up
and covering the nose and mouth with the inner surface of the arm or forearm
·
Avoid close contact with sick individuals
·
Stay home if sick
·
Avoid crowded places during outbreaks
·
Consider wearing a face mask in crowded public places, especially during
flu season.
· Follow public health guidelines during outbreaks