Written By: Hanan Khalaf. RPH.

What is influenza?

Influenza (which is also known as Flu) is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza viruses. It is highly contagious and can lead to a generalized illness that ranges in severity from mild to severe illness leading sometimes to death.

How is influenza manifested?

Influenza is characterized by symptoms that can occur suddenly as fever, (usually high), headache, coughing, aches and pains, extreme tiredness, stuffy nose, and sore throat. Some other symptoms can occur as well like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea but they are more common in children than adults.

Is influenza also referred to as cold?

No, they are not the same. Cold is considered a mild respiratory disease mainly manifested by sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and stuffy nose. It is not usually accompanied by generalized body symptoms.

How can influenza spread from one person to another?

Influenza viruses spread mainly by coughing and sneezing, which release s respiratory droplets harboring viruses. They can also spread through contaminated objects when they are touched by hand and then touching nose or mouth. Healthy people can start transferring the virus even one day before appearance of the symptoms (before they know themselves that they are sick) and for up to 5 days of sickness.

Why influenza is a matter of concern?

It is a matter of concern for several reasons: it is highly contagious, it can lead to serious complications (as pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes), and serious morbidity and mortality as well.

Some people are at a higher risk for developing serious complications when influenza is acquired as: people above 65 years of age, young children, and people with some chronic illnesses.

What are the best ways of preventing the disease?

The answer to this question lies in two sections:

A. Keep up with good hygiene practice as:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and in particular after sneezing and

coughing. If this is not feasible the use of any hand cleaner (preferably alcohol-based)

is advocated.

2. Use tissue when you cough and sneeze and discard immediately afterward, do not

touch your eyes, mouth or nose since germs spread easily..

3. Keep away from sick people in public & on the other hand stay home when you are

sick to protect others.

B. Get Flu vaccine. A single shot that is given on yearly basis, starting from October or November (can also be taken any time after that since the flu season can extend up to springtime).

Is the flu vaccine recommended for everybody every year?

Generally anyone can get the flu shot, however, certain group of people should receive the vaccine on yearly basis as:

People who ore 65 years of age and older and children between 6 months and 2 years of age.People at any age who are complaining of chronic illnesses that might increase their chance from influenza complications as chronic heat or lung disease including asthma.Ladies who plan to become pregnant during the flu season although pregnancy is not a contraindication to the flu shot.

Is it possible that flu shot will cause the disease itself?

Flu shot or vaccine is composed of inactivated virus (killed virus) which cannot transmit the disease. Common side-effects from the vaccine include local reactions as soreness, redness and pain. Low grade fever can occur and occasionally, severe allergic reactions might occur.

Why flu shots should be repeated yearly?

Flu shot or vaccine contains three influenza viruses-one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus- that is changed yearly based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

What is the role of antivirals for treatment or prevention of flu disease?

Currently, there are four antivirals approved by FDA for treatment of influenza namely

Amantadine, Rimantadine, Zanamavir and Oseltamivir. They are ususally prescribed after the onset of symptoms by 1-2days and used for 5 days to reduce symptoms of influenza and shorten the sickness period.

On the other hand, only three, amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir, have been approved by FDA for prevention of the disease. When taken this way they can provide 70-90% protection in healthy adults. However, their use for either treatment or prevention should be guided by medical advise to assure their proper use, reduce the side effects, and minimize the occurrence of resistance that is now started to appear to some of them.

What other supporting measures that can be taken if the disease has occurred?

The general advice is to have bed rest, take a plenty of fluids, and avoid smoking. Paracetamol can be used to relieve muscle aches and fever that is usually accompanying. Aspirin, particularly for children and teenagers, should be avoided because of its association with Rye syndrome if used during viral illness.

References:

Center Of Disease Control