An acute viral infection of the respiratory tract, occurring in isolated cases, in epidemics, or in pandemics; it is caused by serologically different strains of viruses (influenzaviruses) designated A, B, and C, has a 3-day incubation period, and usually lasts for 3 to 10 days. It is marked by inflammation of the nasal mucosa, pharynx, and conjunctiva; headache; myalgia; often fever, chills, and prostration; and occasionally involvement of the myocardium or central nervous system.
Symptoms of Influenza
The following features are indicative of Influenza:
fever over 100.4 F
aching muscles
headache
dry cough
fatigue
weakness
nasal congestion
sore throat
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Common Causes of Influenza
The following are the most common causes of Influenza:
influenza virus infection
Risk Factors for Influenza
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Influenza:
younger children of age 5 years
pregnant women
weakened immune systems
asthma
heart disease
kidney disease
diabetes
obesity
Prevention of Influenza
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Influenza. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
washing hands properly
proper covering of mouth while coughing and sneezing
avoid overcrowding
Occurrence of Influenza
Number of Cases
The following are the number of Influenza cases seen each year worldwide:
Very common > 10 Million cases
Common Age Group
Influenza most commonly occurs in the following age group:
Aged between 1-5 years
Common Gender
Influenza can occur in any gender.
Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Influenza
The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Influenza:
Rapid influenza diagnostic test: To look after signs and symptoms of influenza
Doctor for Diagnosis of Influenza
Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Influenza:
Infection Specialist
Complications of Influenza if untreated
Yes, Influenza causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Influenza is left untreated:
pneumonia
bronchitis
asthma flare-ups
heart problems
ear infections
Self-care for Influenza
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Influenza:
Washing hands properly: To prevent common viral infections
Proper covering of mouth while coughing and sneezing: To avoid viral contamination
Avoid overcrowding: Helps out in reducing chances of viral infection
Drinking plenty of liquids: To overcome with chances of dehydration
Proper rest: Helps out in preparing immune system ready to fight against viral infections
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Influenza
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Influenza:
Use of alcohol as sanitizer: To kill influenza viruses
Time for Treatment of Influenza
While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Influenza to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
Within 1 week
Is Influenza Infectious?
Yes, Influenza is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
viral infection spread while coughing and sneezing
