Influenza Flu

Overview

Influenza flu is a systemic infection caused by viral pathogens which mainly affects the respiratory tract. The pathogens are mainly influenza A virus or in a milder form, influenza B virus. This virus has variation in the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase glycoproteins on the surface which leads to disease of variable intensity each year. For most of them, this is just regular flu however in some cases influenza and its complications can be deadly.

Signs and Symptoms

Fever, Malaise, Cough, Muscle pain, Headache, Nasal congestion, Fatigue and weakness

Common Causes

Caused by a viral pathogen (Influenza A or Influenza B)

Risk Factors

Weather changes, In contact with infected person, Weakened immune system, Children aged under 5, With chronic illnesses like asthma, COPD, heart disease

Investigation Techniques

Physical examination, Full blood count, Viral culture, Reverse transcriptase PCR in nasopharyngeal sample

Treatment and Prevention

Bedrest, Administration of neuraminidase inhibitors like oral oseltamivir or inhaled zanamivir, Antiviral drugs can also be used as prophylaxis in high risk patients during ‘flu' season, Major mechanism of prevention is seasonal vaccination in high risk patient