Description of Influenza
Influenza (flu) symptoms may range from mild to severe, and they can be fatal. Every year, becoming an influenza vaccination is the easiest way to avoid getting sick with the flu. Nowadays, taking a flu vaccination is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones, as well as preventing the US healthcare system from becoming overburdened (Hutchinson, 2018). By treating the symptoms, antiviral drugs can shorten the duration of Influenza by one to two days and prevent hazardous consequences like pneumonia. Antivirals can assist the immune system even if they are given later in the illness. While flu may affect people of all ages, some are more susceptible to flu-related complications, which can be fatal. With these useful resources from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, you can learn everything you need to know about flu from A to Z. (NFID) (Hutchinson, 2018). Infectious diseases impact people of all ages. This website strives to educate the general public and healthcare professionals on the prevalence, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases (Kain & Fowler, 2019). Nothing on this website should be used to replace professional medical advice.
Influenza, generally known as the flu, is a highly infectious sickness that may affect anybody and anywhere on the planet. The extremely contagious illness is most typically found in persons throughout the fall and winter seasons (Kain & Fowler, 2019). On the other hand, influenza A, B, C, and D are distinct influenza strains with their names (Known to infect animals). Seasonal influenza epidemics in the United States are primarily generated by human-to-human transmissions of influenza viruse A and B, as has been well documented for years. Human infection with the Influenza A virus, on the other hand, has been proven to induce an influenza pandemic (Paget et al., 2019). Even though influenza virus C has not been linked to an influenza outbreak, it is known to produce a moderate respiratory infection.
The respiratory system, which includes the nose, lungs, and, in rare cases, the throat, is also typically affected by the sickness. The flu is often mistaken for a nasty cold, which is reasonable. Fever, body pains, coughing, and sore throat are among flu symptoms, as are anomalies in the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems (flu) (Kain & Fowler, 2019). Once infected, a person can transfer the illness to others by direct contact, contaminated air inhalation, or contaminated air inhalation.
Dehydration, ear infections, and bacterial pneumonia are among the side effects of the flu. Furthermore, physical illnesses such as heart failure and diabetes have been shown to deteriorate due to the disorder. Infection of the sinuses has also been observed, particularly in neonates. A range of problems might arise, including myocarditis and other muscular inflammations.
According to the World Health Organization, about 650,000 individuals die from influenzas-related respiratory illnesses (Hutchinson, 2018). These projections are based on several recent respiratory fatality studies that the organization has taken into account. According to the CDC, the flu affects between 5% and 20% of the world’s population each year, with many people being hospitalized and many more deaths due to the disease’s complications. According to WHO statistics, approximately 500,000 people die each year due to Influenza (Kain & Fowler, 2019).
Antibiotics are ineffective in treating the flu because a virus rather than bacteria causes it. As a result, antiviral medications like Relenza are prescribed more often during influenza treatment. This drug is given to each patient on a case-by-case basis. The influenza vaccine is the most effective technique for preventing influenza infection in adults and children over six months (Kain & Fowler, 2019). It is usually advisable to complete this work to avoid developing influenza-like symptoms.
The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention keeps track of outbreaks, general mortality, and even certain hospitalized cases and pays a premium on these figures (Hutchinson, 2018). In New York and Washington, the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) and other government agencies and organizations are mandated to report influenza cases.
Social determinants of health and their contributions towards Influenza.
The World Health Organization defines social determinants of health as factors including where people are born, where they go to school, work, and what religion they practice, all of which significantly impact their health and health-related quality of life. This is because resources that improve people’s quality of life significantly influence their health and the outcomes of populations who utilize such services (Kain & Fowler, 2019). Social determinants of well-being include easy access to health care, a sense of community security, and the ability to satisfy basic needs like food and shelter (Hutchinson, 2018). Social assistance, employment, educational possibilities, and public transportation access to other parts of the United States and the world are among the others.
As previously stated, the staggering number of deaths caused by Influenza each year and the economic impact on a variety of enterprises must be considered. When socioeconomic determinants are addressed, influenza transmission and outbreaks have risen (Kain & Fowler, 2019). As a result, several concerns must be addressed, including a lack of access to health care services and vaccines. Several variables, including socioeconomic considerations, influence how academics conduct their research to reduce Influenza’s overall impact. As a result, the public’s ability to detect influenza symptoms is harmed, aiding in the disease’s spread (Hutchinson, 2018). This is particularly true if obtaining an education is difficult.
Epidemiological triangle of Influenza.
An epidemiological triangle has four components: time, cost, environment, and agent. They each have a distinct function and are identified. following data collected by the Center for Diseases Control and Preventions in 2016, flu viruses assault the upper respiratory tract in several ways (Kain & Fowler, 2019). New vaccinations must be created every year due to the virus’s rapid mutation rate to stay ahead of the threat. Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to illness. This necessitates the application of disinfectants, which have been demonstrated to reduce disease transmission significantly.
Furthermore, healthcare workers are exposed to exposure due to poor environmental health factors (Kain & Fowler, 2019). The illness spreads when a person comes into contact with the disease’s agent. The phases of incubation and clinical disease are distinct. After five to seven days of incubation, the virus loses its infectiousness to the host; however, symptoms might last two weeks.
Role of the community health nurse.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of community health nurses in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious illnesses like Influenza. They record and investigate cases of several infectious diseases in addition to Influenza (Kain & Fowler, 2019). Community nurses should provide influenza virus counts to the Centers for Diseases Control and Preventions. To be prepared for an outbreak, nurses should learn about Influenza and educate the public. Nurses can help establish public awareness campaigns and educational workshops to raise public understanding of Influenza’s hazards and the significance of vaccination (Hutchinson, 2018). It is possible to generate an accurate risk assessment and follow the measures performed thus far using the information acquired by the nurses.
Nursing is also in charge of ensuring that their patients receive proper care and that their goal of encouraging healthy lifestyles and disease prevention is achieved. Nurses may provide advice to the general population to improve the efficacy of preventative interventions (Hutchinson, 2018). Nurses can assist the general public lower influenza incidence by promoting wellness and healthy habits. If the general public is regularly educated, they will understand the most effective chronic illness management strategies and the healthiest treatments. As a result of the use of the based education system, the public will better understand the features of Influenza (Kain & Fowler, 2019). Additional responsibilities for community health nurses include health examinations and vaccine delivery. To prevent the spread of a potentially fatal disease, nurses can also supply protective masks and gloves.
The organization is involved in addressing Influenza.
The World Health Agency (WHO) has a considerable effect on flu prevention and treatment as a global health organization. Most people believe the group was founded on July 22, 1946, which was the 22nd day of the month (Hutchinson, 2018). It is a United Nations (UN) recognized institution that focuses on various global health issues, including Influenza. To combat Influenza, the organization changed several processes to make it easier to deploy preventative measures and handle future pandemics caused by the disease. According to statistics, the organization was put to the test during the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak in Mexico (Paget et al., 2019).
As a result of this tragedy, the organization made significant contributions to disease prevention and control in 2009, including creating the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework (PIP). The framework’s main goal was to increase readiness and efficacy in a pandemic of Influenza (Kain & Fowler, 2019). As long as the organization has the legal power, quarantine can be utilized to prevent disease spread between individuals and various places. Financial aid for various activities aimed at preventing sickness is another important role played by the organizations. They work with the WHO to promote and guarantee that educational programs are implemented in their respective countries.
Since then, they’ve demonstrated that they can make a significant difference in the flu fight. The organization released a Global Influenza Strategy 2019-2030 on March 11 (Paget et al., 2019). The approach is presently being utilized to protect people worldwide from the influenza virus (Rolfes et al., 2019). The primary purpose of the organizations is to improve public health and global readiness in the countries they serve (Hutchinson, 2018). In addition, the plan would be executed to reduce the spread of seasonal Influenza among humans by limiting disease transmission from animals to humans.
Furthermore, the EPA recommended an influenza vaccine formulation in the Northern Hemisphere for the 2019-2020 influenza season in February. As proven in October 2018 with the release of video packages, the organization distributes multimedia packages that include lessons learned from previous pandemics to teach how to prepare for future flu pandemics. Furthermore, the Worldwide Influenza Program, which provides strategic advice, effort coordination, and technical assistance to the worldwide community, demonstrates the organization’s commitment (Rolfes et al., 2019). The technique is founded on the notion that one should always be alert for influenza risk.
The global implication of Influenza.
It is the leading cause of mortality, sickness, and disability in today’s world. Each year, it is estimated that between 5% and 10% of adults and children contract influenza (Rolfes et al., 2019). This has been estimated to cause 3-5 million influenza cases and 1 million deaths worldwide (Hutchinson, 2018). The sickness has many consequences, including a significant drain on available resources.
Malaria and other common fever infections are frequently misinterpreted as conditions in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to a little amount of monitoring in the region, it was a success. Due to a lack of money, a scarcity of public health institutions capable of providing access, and focusing on other diseases like HIV and malaria. In recent days, however, worldwide influenza preparedness has increased. This can be accomplished by taking actions to mitigate harmful consequences (Kain & Fowler, 2019). The CDC’s work has benefitted several African countries, most notably Kenya.
The Influenza B virus, in particular, is extremely endemic, meaning that it has been proved to exist within a certain geographic area without spreading. It has been confirmed in China and India, the virus’s presumed source populations.
Conclusion
Getting vaccinated every year is the simplest approach to avoiding the flu. Antivirals can reduce the duration of Influenza by one to two days and avoid pneumonia. Also, Some people are more susceptible to Influenza’s potentially fatal repercussions than others. There is no substitute for the professional medical advice provided on this website. Approximately 650,000 people die each year as a result of influenza-related respiratory illnesses. According to the CDC, each year, flu affects between 5% and 20% of the world’s population. The flu can cause dehydration, ear infections, and bacterial pneumonia. Physical conditions, including heart failure and diabetes, have been demonstrated to worsen due to the illness. It is necessary to consider the yearly influenza fatality rate and the economic impact on a variety of businesses. Other issues must be addressed, such as health care and vaccine shortages.
To be prepared in the case of an epidemic, nurses must understand Influenza. The primary role of community health nurses is to ensure that their patients receive the correct treatment and that their goal of encouraging healthy habits and illness prevention is achieved. To increase the efficacy of preventative measures, nurses may suggest the general public. A potentially deadly illness can be averted by providing nurses with protective masks and gloves. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Preventions, the flu kills between 5% and 10% of adults and children each year. It has several ramifications, including a large reduction in available resources. It is possible to lessen the negative outcomes if this is kept in mind. Several African nations, including Kenya, have benefited from the CDC’s African projects.
Reference
Hutchinson, E. C. (2018). Influenza virus. Trends in Microbiology, 26(9), 809-810.
Kain, T., & Fowler, R. (2019). Preparing intensive care for the next pandemic influenza. Critical Care, 23(1), 1-9.
Paget, J., Spreeuwenberg, P., Charu, V., Taylor, R. J., Iuliano, A. D., Bresee, J., … & Viboud, C. (2019). Global mortality associated with seasonal influenza epidemics: New burden estimates and predictors from the GLaMOR Project. Journal of global health, 9(2).
Rolfes, M. A., Flannery, B., Chung, J. R., O’Halloran, A., Garg, S., Belongia, E. A., … & Fry, A. M. (2019). Effects of influenza vaccination in the United States during the 2017–2018 influenza season. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 69(11), 1845-1853.
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