Influenza Causes, Symptoms, Incubation Period, Treatment, Complications And Preventive Measures

Influenza is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by influenza virus. It is the most common and highly contagious airborne disease. The influenza infects lungs, throat and nose. It is most common in winters, late fall and early spring. It is confused with other influenza like diseases such as cold and flu. But it is more severe than cold or flu. It is a viral infection and lasts for about a week. It affects people of all ages but pregnant women, elderly and children under 9 months are more prone to influenza. Health care workers are at higher risk of influenza due to increased exposure to patients. The symptoms of influenza range from mild to severe. Hospitalization and death can occur in extreme severe cases and in high risk patients.

Causes

Influenza is caused by influenza virus. There are four types of influenza virus, A, B, C and D. The influenza virus A and B circulate and are responsible for the seasonal epidemic of the disease.  Influenza A virus is further classified into subtypes on the basis of proteins present on the surface of the virus. These subtypes depend upon the combination of proteins, the hemagglutinin (HA) and the neuraminidase (NA). The subtypes of influenza A virus that circulates in humans are H1N1 and H3N2. Influenza A virus is responsible for the pandemic disease. There is no sub classification of influenza B virus. Influenza C virus causes less frequent and mild cases of influenza. Influenza D virus does not affect humans but cattle. The seasonal influenza can spread easily from person to person. The influenza virus can spread easily due to coughing or sneezing. During coughing or sneezing, the droplets are produced. These droplets have the ability to spread to a distance of one meter. The virus can also spread due to hands contaminated with influenza virus droplets.

Symptoms

Influenza is a serious condition characterized by the following signs and symptoms,

• Malaise (Feeling of discomfort or illness)
• Myalgia (Pain in muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia)
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Chills and sweats
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Incubation Period

The average incubation period of influenza virus is 2 days but may extend to 4 days.

Treatment

The standard treatment plan must include neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) as soon as possible after the onset of symptoms. Drugs used are zanamivir and oseltamivir. Oseltamivir is given orally while zanamivir is given in the form of dry powder using an inhaler. Almost all the types and subtypes of influenza virus are resistant to antiviral drugs such as amantadine and rimantadine. Therefore, the antiviral drugs are not recommended to use in influenza.  You must maintain a good level of hydration during influenza. The best possible and effective way to treat influenza is by vaccination. Annual vaccination is recommended for influenza. The most commonly used influenza vaccine throughout the world is the inactivated influenza vaccine.

Complications

Influenza in healthy individuals is treated by following the preventive measures. You may feel uncomfortable or miserable for a short period of time. But children, pregnant women and elderly people are at higher risk of developing complications such as,

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis
• Asthma
• Infection of ear
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Heart problems
• Diabetes

Preventive Measures

You must follow the protective measures which are discussed below to prevent the complications of colds,

• Regularly wash your hands
• Maintain good respiratory hygiene
• Avoid close contact with influenza patients
• Wear a mask and gloves during close contact with sick people
• Try to avoid touching your face, eyes and nose