Causes and risk factors
The infection spreads through the air, coughing and sneezing creates droplets into the air which spreads the infection. It can also spread through direct contact or through contact with the contaminated surfaces. Contact with the bird droppings can also spread the infection. Young children, old people and people with Immuncompromised are more prone to develop this infection.
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms usually occur 1-2 days after contact with the virus.
The infection is more common in winter however affections in summer and rainy season are also common.
The cardinal symptom of influenza are fever with chills, cough, sore throat, Coryza sneezing.
The other common complaints with which the patient can come up are headache, nausea, vomiting, body ache, fatigue, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. It can lead to complications like bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear and sinus infection.
Among all the complication pneumonia is more commonly seen.
Investigations:
The diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patients and certain physical examination is carried by the doctor. Certain sets of investigations can also be advised which will aid in the confirmation of the disease.
Swabs from patient’s nose or throat or sputum are tested. The other tests include the complete blood count and urine routine.
Rapid influenza test can also be available for diagnosis. Chest X-ray can be done in cases of complications.
Treatment:
Rest is important part of treatment. Diet should consist of adequate liquids like milk, fruit juices and hot drinks .Oral hygiene and electrolyte balance should be maintained. The infection is self limiting in nature .Antiviral medications are started. Antibiotics are discouraged until complications are suspected. Depending upon the symptoms severity hospitalization and intravenous fluid administration is initiated.
Vaccination against Influenza is an important prophylactic measure. These vaccinations are in form of nasal sprays. Maintaining personal and environmental hygiene should be implemented. Avoidance of crowded areas at times of active infection will help to prevent the spread. Advanced and developed countries advocate annual vaccination against influenza at the start of the flu season which is found to be very effective against combating the symptoms.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
Recent updates:
A new model that can predict the evolution of influenza virus from one year to the next has been jointly developed by researchers at Columbia University and the University of Cologne. The model could help improve our understanding of the disease and come up with a systematic way of selecting influenza vaccine strains.
