Influenza is a common virus that causes respiratory tract infection. Commonly called as Flu, this infection is seasonal and highly contagious. Influenza virus keeps on changing strains causing new symptoms frequently. Some of the symptoms of influenza are fever, dry cough, nasal congestion and fatigue. Flu can be prevented by vaccination. In severe cases, flu can cause life threatening complications and even death. The new flu virus (swine flu) named H1N1 developed in Mexico in April 2009, killing several hundreds of people all over the world. World Health Organization has declared this virus as pandemic.
Epidemic and Pandemic
Flu viruses have cause serious outbreaks during season affecting millions of people in addition to birds and animals. When such a sudden outbreak occurs, the affected population will develop weakened immunity spreading quickly. Such outbreaks are called epidemics.
When such an outbreak affects human population worldwide it is called as pandemics. The virus is so contagious that it spreads through air easily affecting millions of people every second. The virus is smart enough to develop new strains gaining more power every day thus not responding to any vaccine. It was the Spanish flu that occurred in 1918 causing several million deaths over the world and later it was Swine flu in 2009 which was a pandemic.
Who Are At Risk?
Influenza virus can attack anyone with weak immunity like older adults, infants, young children, and pregnant women. You have increased risk of developing flu infection if your workplace involves close contact with people, if your immunity is tampered due to any reason, or if you have developed any chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes.
Influenza Symptoms
The symptom of flu begins with common cold, runny nose, and mild fever. But within couple of days it will produce serious symptoms like high fever, severe muscle ache on your back and arms, headache, chills, dry cough and sore throat. It attacks respiratory tract infecting your lungs from mild to severely. Some viruses can cause stomach infection leading to vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. If you have any of the above symptoms, then you need to take antiviral medications right away to prevent any complications.
Influenza Causes
Influenza viruses can spread through air droplets like coughing, sneezing or even talking. The virus can stick on to any objects and get transferred into your body if you accidentally touch your eyes or nose or mouth after touching these objects. People affected with influenza virus will have the required antibodies for fighting any new infection.