By: Sharee Windish, Haley Bradley & Jordan North Influenza By: Sharee Windish, Haley Bradley & Jordan North

What is it? A highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages causing fever, severe aching, and often occurring in epidemics. Below is a timeline of Influenza outbreaks.

Infected body systems In extreme cases, all of them. The center of the flu viruses' attack is the respiratory system. Your throat, lungs, etc. Depending upon the degree of oxygen deprivation this might cause in the severe cases, all other systems can be affected by this lack of oxygenation. Some people get gastrointestinal symptoms and with fever some, especially children, can suffer seizures indicating an involvement of the neurological system. The most common causes of death are fluid in your lungs and dehydration. Pneumonia is one of the major complications in severe cases of the flu. It can be viral pneumonia, or it can be caused by a secondary bacterial infection.

Causative Organism Influenza Virus (Types A, B and C) is the Causative agent. Since Influenza is a viral infection, antibiotics are useless in treating it. Essentially, a bout of influenza must be allowed to run its course. Symptoms can be relieved with bed rest and by keeping well hydrated. Recovery should not be pushed. Returning to normal activities too quickly invites a possible relapse or complications. Most people recover fully from an influenza infection, but it should not be viewed complacently. Influenza is a serious disease, and approximately one in 1,000 cases proves fatal.

Population at risk Age: Seasonal Influenza tends to target young children and people over 65. The pandemic H1N1 surfaced in 2009, however, appeared most common in teenagers and young adults. Occupation: Health care workers and child care personnel are more likely to have close contact with people infected with influenza. Living Conditions: People who live in facilities along with many other residents, such as nursing homes or military barracks, are more likely to develop influenza.

Population at risk pt. 2 Weakened Immune System: Cancer treatments, anti-rejection drugs, corticosteroids and HIV/AIDS can weaken you immune system. This can make it easier for you to catch influenza and may also increase your risk of developing complications. Chronic Illnesses: Chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart problems, may increase your risk of influenza complications. Pregnancy: Pregnant woman are more likely to develop influenza complications, particularly in second and third trimesters.

How is it transmitted? Influenza is primarily transmitted via infected respiratory droplets. That is by air, via coughing and sneezing. It is important to note that some people who are infected will not experience any symptoms but will still be contagious. They can infect others without ever knowing they’re infected themselves. Even patients who experience flu symptoms may be infectious as early as a day before they first feel ill, and for up to a week after. An important note about influenzas ability to spread is related to its frequent genetic changes. New strains of influenza viruses appear frequently, and previous infection with a different strain does not guarantee immunity against future infections.

What are symptoms? Illnesses from Influenza can range from mild to very severe depending on several factors, including the viral strain, the patients age and the patients health. Certain groups are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu. Symptoms from the flu tend to emerge suddenly and include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, achiness, headaches, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, but these symptoms are more common for children than adults.

How is it prevented? 1) Avoid close contact: When you are sick, keep you distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. 2) Stay home when you are sick; You will help others from preventing others from catching your illness. 3) Cover your mouth and nose: Cover it with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. 4) Clean your hands: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol- based hand rub. 5)Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth: Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, mouth and nose.

Treatment for Influenza Generally, flu patients are encouraged to stay home and rest, both to recover and to avoid infecting others. In mild cases, treatment is limited to addressing the symptoms of the disease over the counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to reduce fever and or relieve aches and pain, and cough medicines or drops may be used for sore throats and to reduce coughing. Drinking extra fluids may be encouraged to prevent dehyderation.