Influenza

Influenza is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses A and B.
It is usually seasonal, typically occurring from October to March, and can cause both mild and severe illness.

Symptoms

Influenza usually begins suddenly and is characterized by:

• Fever (especially in children)

• Headache, joint pain, and muscle aches

• Cough and runny nose

• Sore throat and sometimes cold-like symptoms (less common)

Difference Between Influenza and the Common Cold

Modes of Transmission

Incubation and Infectious Period of Influenza

After infection, symptoms usually appear within about 2 days, though the incubation period can range from 1 to 4 days.
On average, a person is contagious for about 6 days — 1–2 days before symptoms appear and 5–7 days after illness begins.
People with weakened immune systems may be contagious for a longer period.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is primarily clinical and based on symptoms.
A specific test can be taken from the nasal or throat area and analyzed, either with a rapid test or in a laboratory.

Prevention

• Handwashing: Soap and hand sanitizer kill the virus.

• Limit contact with infected individuals.

• Use a mask if needed to reduce the risk of transmission.

• Influenza viruses can remain infectious on surfaces outside the body for extended periods — from days up to weeks.
  Therefore, it is important to clean shared surfaces with soap or disinfectant.

Vaccination Provides the Best Protection

The following risk groups are prioritized for influenza vaccination:

• Children aged 6 months to 5 years

• Adults aged 60 years and older

• Children and adults with chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver diseases, diabetes, cancer, or other immune-suppressing conditions

• Healthcare workers caring for individuals in the above risk groups

• Pregnant women

Treatment

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Rest and get enough sleep.

• Take fever-reducing medication.

• Stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and feeling better.

• Be patient — it takes the body 1–2 weeks to recover from influenza.

• The antiviral medication Tamiflu is sometimes given to high-risk individuals who have severe or worsening symptoms.

Precautions After Infection

• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Use disposable tissues and discard them immediately after use.

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use sanitizer.

• Wear a face mask.

• Physical distancing and self-isolation can help reduce airborne transmission.

• Improve ventilation — for example, by opening windows and letting in fresh air.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare center (urgent care) if you experience:

• Coughing up blood

• Abdominal pain

• Chest pain

• Dizziness or confusion

• Vomiting lasting more than two days

Go to the emergency department if you experience:

• Shortness of breath

• Signs of dehydration

If a Child Gets Influenza

Take your child to the emergency department immediately if:

• Breathing is rapid or difficult

• Lips turn blue

• Signs of dehydration appear

• The child is difficult to wake or unresponsive

• The child initially improves but then worsens again with fever or cough