Influenza is one of the most common infectious diseases – and one of the most misunderstood. Because many other respiratory viruses have symptoms similar to influenza, it is easy to misattribute influenza to other respiratory symptoms. But influenza is highly contagious and often the source of epidemics.
Influenza is a highly contagious infectious disease that can cause acute respiratory infections. Also known as the Flu, influenza viruses may infect nose, throat, and lungs causing mild to severe illness and even death.
Types of influenza
Three known types of influenza viruses (A, B, C), that are constantly mutating and evolving, can cause illness in humans. Types A and B are known to cause annual epidemics of seasonal influenza, while type C is a milder version not known to cause epidemics.
Type A is further classified into several subtypes, such as H1N1, also known as the swine flu. In addition, type A can circulate and mutate between animals and humans, while type B only affects humans.
First aid for infection prevention
At Abena we help health care professionals prevent the spread of infections. We do this by sharing our knowledge with health care professionals. We help you to be alert to the transmission of microbes, to take the right measures and to use the right products. This way you minimize the risk of contamination.
How is influenza transmitted?
Influenza is mainly airborne through droplets in the environment.
Influenza is contagious before symptoms appear. People can be contagious from three to four days before symptoms appear and up to seven days after becoming sick. The incubation period (the time from infection until symptoms appear) ranges from one to four days.
What are symptoms of Influenza?
The most common symptoms of influenza include:
- High fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle- and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
Most symptoms disappear within 1-2 weeks without additional treatment. But it is still a mystery to scientists why influenza is deadly to some people, while other barely feel symptoms.
Treating Influenza
For most patients with mild symptoms and no additional risk factors, treatment is focused on treating and relieving the symptoms. Fever, cough, headache, and mild pains can be treated with over-the-counter remedies combined with rest.
In some cases, influenza develops into complicated cases that may include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and a general worsening of existing medical conditions. Patients with complicated and severe cases of influenza can often be treated with antiviral drugs, but this treatment must be started within 48 hours of the first symptoms for it to be effective. Always check with a general practitioner for guidance.
However, treating influenza is about more than treating the symptoms of the disease. Because of the potential social, health, and economic impact a severe influenza epidemic may have on the world, global outbreak and pandemic management is an essential part of influenza management.
Read more about other infectious diseases and how to prevent them.
How can you prevent influenza?
Vaccination and taking steps to minimize exposure through standard precautions and droplet precautions are they main steps to prevent influenza.
Vaccination:
Vaccination is available for seasonal influenza and recommended by the WHO for people at risk for severe cases and those with weakened immune systems, including pregnant women, children between 6months and 5 years, the elderly (over 65), people with chronic diseases, and health care workers. Be aware that local guidelines may vary. (insert link to WHO or local guidelines https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal))
Standard precautions
Standards precautions for health care workers, relatives, and general public:
- Stay home if you feel unwell or display symptoms.
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with a tissue, or a flexed elbow (PRODUCT)
- Perform hand hygiene regularly and before and after contact with a resident or patient. (read about guides for hand hygiene).
- Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose – and avoid cross contamination.
- Disinfect contaminated areas while wearing gloves and masks.
The above advice is general advice for preventing spread of Covid-19. Always follow local guidelines and regulations.
Infection prevention starts with the right products and procedures. See some of our highly recommended products, and learn how and when to use them correctly.
Proper and appropriate use of Protective wear: Wear a gown if soiling of clothes with a resident’s respiratory secretions is anticipated, and changing gloves and gowns after each resident encounter and performing hand hygiene.
Practice proper hand hygiene, especially after patient contact or use of the bathroom. Check out our guidelines for hand hygiene and find out why personal hygiene is essential in infection prevention.
