Influenza is a viral infection that targets the respiratory system, such as the lungs, nose, and throat. Even though influenza is often known as the flu, it varies from stomach “flu” viruses that induce vomiting and diarrhea (Nypaver et al, 2021). Humans can contract influenza from three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Both humans and animals can contract influenza caused by type A. In animals like pigs, horses, and poultry, public health is mainly affected by type A influenza.
According to Nypaver et al (2021), people suffering from the flu can transmit it to others up to six feet away. Most medical professionals believe that people with the flu sneeze, cough, or talk, which creates droplets that spread the virus. These droplets may fall into close people’s mouths or nostrils or may be inhaled and enter the lungs. Less frequently, someone can contract the flu by contacting something with the virus and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
The flu usually runs away on its own for most individuals. Though periodically, influenza and its side effects can be fatal (Javanian et al, 2021). Those more likely to experience flu complications or vulnerable groups include children under the age of five, particularly those under six months. Adults above 65, pregnant ladies, those who gave birth up to two weeks ago, those whose immune systems, and American Indians are vulnerable too. Also, chronically unwell individuals, including those with diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, asthma, and other diseases, and individuals with a body mass index of 40 or above and severe obesity, are vulnerable.
Additionally, symptoms may appear after two days (but up to 4 days) when the virus enters the body. It implies that a person might be able to infect someone else with the flu both before they realize they are ill and when they are already suffering from it. Even though they may have the flu virus, some people may not exhibit any symptoms. These individuals could still spread the infection at this point. Furthermore, according to historical records, all pandemic influenza cases were caused by animals. The influenza A virus has zoonotic potential across all subtypes (Kessler et al, 2021). Pigs are the perfect hosts for influenza virus re-assortment or mutation.
Moreover, the first symptoms of the flu may initially appear to be a typical cold with a runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, headache, body chills, fever, and sore throat. However, colds typically come on gradually, but the flu typically strikes rapidly. And while a cold might be annoying, the flu typically makes a person feel considerably worse. In addition, adults may experience long-term symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent dizziness, seizures, worsening of preexisting medical disorders, severe weakness, or aching muscles. Children may exhibit emergency signs and symptoms such as having trouble breathing, blue lips, dehydration, and chest pain (Frankl et al, 2022).
In conclusion, the influenza virus causes a lot of respiratory infections in people and has a high mortality and morbidity rate, especially in young children and the elderly. The Orthomyxoviridae family includes influenza A. Its 11 viral genes are encoded by a negative sense RNA genome enclosed by a viral envelope. Lastly, since it spreads quickly, influenza is more prevalent in the wintertime. Contrary to popular opinion, however, the rise in occurrence is not directly related to the climate; instead, it can be attributed to the more considerable amount of time spent indoors with others during lousy weather. The primary method of influenza virus transmission is through airborne respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Incubation typically lasts one to two days after infection, and most patients start feeling better on their own after a week.
References
Nypaver, C., Dehlinger, C., & Carter, C. (2021). Influenza and influenza vaccine: A review. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 66(1), 45-53.
Frankl, S., Coffin, S. E., Harrison, J. B., Swami, S. K., & McGuire, J. L. (2021). Influenza-associated neurologic complications in hospitalized children. The Journal of Pediatrics, 239, 24-31.
Kessler, S., Harder, T. C., Schwemmle, M., & Ciminski, K. (2021). Influenza A Viruses and Zoonotic Events—Are We Creating Our Own Reservoirs? Viruses, 13(11), 2250.
Javanian, M., Barary, M., Ghebrehewet, S., Koppolu, V., Vasigala, V., & Ebrahimpour, S. (2021). A brief review of influenza virus infection. Journal of medical virology, 93(8), 4638-4646.
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