Influenza Virus: Causes, Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment and Prevention
The flu is a contagious viral infection caused by the Influenza virus (type A or B), which can cause mild to severe symptoms or even fatal complications.
The influenza virus is transmitted mainly from person to person through the respiratory tract, by coughing or sneezing. Less commonly, it can also spread by touching a contaminated surface, followed by touching the mouth, eyes, or nose.
The flu can be caused by three types of viruses: influenza A, influenza B, and influenza C. The first two are the most dangerous, having severe and sometimes fatal symptoms in certain cases.
Mode of transmission
Flu transmission is often facilitated by urban crowding and groups of children. Transmission occurs via the airborne route, either directly through coughing or sneezing, or indirectly by touching contaminated objects (handkerchiefs, common surfaces, towels, dishes).
Contagiousness is high, but short-lived (2-4 days from the onset of the illness). Children and individuals with a weak immune system have a higher rate of contagiousness and can transmit the virus for 7-14 days after infection.
Symptoms
Because of common symptoms, the flu can often be confused with a cold or the COVID-19 virus.
The main symptoms of the flu consist of headaches, muscle aches, chills, and coughing. However, the flu is not just a common cold. In the case of complications, the flu can lead to pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, or kidney or heart failure.
People who suffer from other medical conditions (chronic lung diseases, heart or kidney diseases, diabetes, obesity, severe anemia, liver disorders) are more prone to developing severe complications.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by a doctor following the collection of samples (preferably within 4 days of the onset of the illness), but also through a rapid test that involves collecting nasal secretions and evaluating them microscopically.
The disadvantages of rapid testing lie in their lack of accuracy, having low sensitivity that may indicate an erroneous result.
Treatment
Antibiotics should not be administered to treat the influenza virus, unless prescribed by a doctor following a physical examination.
In most cases, the administration of antiviral medication is recommended to combat symptoms and prevent severe complications. It is advisable for treatment to be administered as soon as symptoms appear, and in certain situations, it may be extended for up to 14 days after contracting the virus.
In the case of viral infections like the flu, aspirin should not be administered to children and adolescents because it can cause Reye's syndrome, a condition that can lead to fulminant hepatitis and cerebral edema, being fatal in some cases.
For influenza virus infections, high fluid intake (water, soups, juices, teas), the administration of zinc supplements, and the consumption of vitamin-rich foods (especially vitamin C) are indicated. Gargling with salt water can help soothe a sore throat.
Prevention
To limit the transmission of the influenza virus, it is recommended to avoid overcrowding and symptomatic people, as well as maintaining good hand hygiene through the use of sanitizers or through constant washing with soap and water.
The most effective method of prevention is vaccination. The flu vaccine helps the immune system produce antibodies, thus leading to mild symptoms or even situations where the infected person is asymptomatic. The effect of the vaccine occurs within 2 weeks of administration.
For constant protection against the influenza virus, annual vaccination is recommended. The flu vaccine is administered only by a healthcare professional, intramuscularly or subcutaneously.
Flu vaccination is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age, people suffering from severe allergies, or those who have already been administered a dose of the flu vaccine.
It is advisable for a person exhibiting flu symptoms to avoid self-medication and to see a doctor to be recommended appropriate treatment.
References
https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/influenza-flu/
https://vaccination-info.eu/ro/fisele-de-informare-despre-boli/gripa
https://www.secom.ro/blogs/ghidul-secom/totul-despre-gripa-simptome-tratament-deosebiri-fata-de-raceala-si-covid-19
https://dspb.ro/dspb-uploads/2020/05/03-Informatii-si-recomandari-cu-privire-la-gripa-sezoniera-1.pdf
https://www.csid.ro/boli-afectiuni/gripa-cauze-simptome-tratament-preven%C5%A3ie-18545493/
https://www.drmax.ro/articole/sindromul-reye
https://www.medsana.ro/ro/noutati/gripa-sezoniera-cum-actionam-si-cum-ne-protejam
