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How Does Influenza Affect People?

Influenza, or flu as it's commonly called, is an infectious virus that causes a range of symptoms. Most people who get influenza recover fully. Often mom's chicken soup, plenty of rest, and over-the-counter medications are sufficient treatments for flu. However, in some cases influenza is a life-threatening or even fatal illness.

  1. Potential

    • Influenza is highly contagious and easily spread from person to person, usually through airborne droplets produced when the infected person coughs or sneezes. People of all ages can contract flu, though its complications are usually more serious in adults over the age of 50, pregnant women, children 6 to 59 months of age, or people with compromised immune systems.

    Size

    • Seasonally, flu affects 5 to 25 percent of the population. About 200,000 hospitalizations occur each year due to complications of influenza. Fatalities from flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) average about 36,000 per year. Over 80 percent of influenza-related deaths occur in older adults. It is estimated that most people contract influenza several times in their lifetime. Most outbreaks of flu are seen in the late autumn to early spring, peaking in midwinter.

    Types

    • The influenza virus is grouped by type: A or B. Multiple subtypes exist within each strain, and these subtypes change seasonally. This makes us prone to contracting influenza because the body has little natural immunity to the wide range of influenza subtypes. Generally, more severe symptoms accompany type A influenza. In an average flu season, both strains may circulate in the population.

    Identification

    • Although flu is most commonly associated with respiratory symptoms, influenza affects the whole body. Onset of illness typically begins rapidly, within 24 to 48 hours after being infected. Early symptoms mimic those of colds: sore throat, headache or fatigue. These become much more severe quickly. Fever above 103 degrees and chills may begin, accompanied frequently by aches, light-sensitive eyes and a runny nose. A dry cough can be present, which later produces mucus. Vomiting and diarrhea occur sometimes as well. It is not uncommon for influenza to cause fevers lingering up to a week. Coughing and fatigue may persist longer.

    Effects

    • Generally, symptoms improve slowly after a few days. In some cases complications develop. The most common complications are secondary infections. Bronchitis or pneumonia, the leading cause of influenza deaths, may occur. In very atypical cases, influenza induces an overstimulated immune response, which can have serious heart or neurological effects. Pericarditis (swelling of the sac around the heart) or inflammations of the brain (encephalitis) are rare responses to influenza.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Even with a mild case of influenza, sufferers usually feel quite ill for a few days. Minimize the possibility of contracting flu by frequently washing hands. Provide tissues for sick family members and dispose of these continuously. Sterilize surfaces with an approved influenza disinfectant. Stay home if ill, until fever free for 24 hours without medication. Get a flu shot to reduce chances of contracting flu by up to 90 percent.

    Warning

    • Watch for confusion, shortness of breath, bloody mucus or a worsened cough, labored breathing, severe headache, chest pain or weakness and loss of sensation in limbs. These symptoms require emergency evaluation. Any person with influenza who gets better and then worsens should seek medical assistance

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