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With winter round the corner, it's time to get the "FLU" ARMOR UP. Outbreaks of Influenza, familiarly known as “Flu” almost exclusively occur during winter months. Influenza is no respecter of geographical boundaries, and rapidly spreads across the continents. Such global epidemics are known as ‘pandemics’ and have occurred every 10 – 15 years since 1918 – 1919.
Infection by Influenza viruses is responsible for the illness. Like chameleon changing it's colors, the influenza virus changes its structure. It renders the population defenseless against this almost new virus, since they have no immunity against it. That is how the frequent epidemics and pandemics break out. |
Influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection, and then the virus spreads via aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. Personal contacts and fomites may also transmit the infection.
The virus rapidly multiplies in the cells of respiratory tract and the illness starts as early as 18 to 72 hrs after infection.
The illness starts abruptly, and some patients can recall the precise time they became ill. Patients have systemic symptoms such as intense headache, fever with chills, muscle pains, pain and burning in the eyes, and respiratory symptoms like sore throat and cough. The illness lasts 2 – 5 days and most patients recover within a week.
Patients with chronic heart and lung diseases and the elderly are more susceptible to develop severe illness and complications like pneumonia, which may be life threatening.
Bed rest, plenty of fluids and pain relief by Tylenol and Acetaminophen are important to relieve the symptoms. However, Aspirin should NOT be used in children and adolescents below 18 years, since it can cause the dreaded complication of Reye’s syndrome in which there is extensive damage to liver and brain. Mortality in Reye’s syndrome is 50%.
Drugs effective against influenza virus are now available, and should be used in severe illness and high risk patients
Vaccine is now available and it provides 50 - 80% protection against Influenza. The U.S. Public Health Service recommends Influenza vaccination for any individual more than 6 months of age who is at increased risk for complications of Influenza. Vaccine should be administered early in the autumn before Influenza outbreaks occur and should be repeated annually to maintain immunity against the most current Influenza virus strains.
Author : Dr Kolhe.
Copyright © 2007 Apollo Medical Associates. All rights reserved.
Revised: 11/03/07. |
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