Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects people worldwide. Each year, there is a peak in flu cases, known as the seasonal flu, which typically occurs in the winter months, although it can happen at any time of year. The flu is usually not serious for healthy individuals, but it can cause severe illness in children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems or weakened immunity.
There are three types of influenza: A, B, and C. Influenza A and B are the most common and most severe, while influenza C usually causes only mild infections and is less frequently detected. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to the flu, and symptoms in children include high fever, cough, sore throat, stuffed nose, headaches, muscle and body aches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea. Influenza A infection can be severe in children and older adults, making vaccination particularly important for these groups. However, the flu vaccine provides only short-term protection against the influenza A virus as it mutates quickly.
Almost every year, we are struck by a new strain of the influenza A virus, as there is always a new influenza virus circulating in the community that our bodies have not encountered before. Some of the most well-known influenza A virus subtypes include H1N1, H5N1, and H7N9. Influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 are seasonal flu.
No specific antiviral drug can effectively kill the influenza A virus. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is a drug that can reduce viral replication and flu symptoms, but it must be taken early in the course of the infection to be effective. Most other medications are used to alleviate symptoms and provide supportive care, such as acetaminophen for body aches and fever and cough suppressants like dextromethorphan.
In terms of prevention, children over the age of six months can receive the flu vaccine. The vaccine for young children can be given as a single spray in each nostril, which is a quick and painless way of vaccination and is highly recommended for young children. The flu vaccine can be given as a single injection for teenagers and adults. However, people with severe egg allergies may not be able to receive the injection, as most flu vaccines contain small amounts of egg proteins. Egg-free flu vaccines are available for those with severe egg allergies, while those with mild egg allergies can still receive the injected vaccine without experiencing a severe reaction.
It is important to note that the flu vaccine does not contain a live virus and cannot cause the flu. However, some people may experience flu-like symptoms or discomfort after vaccination due to their immune response. Side effects of the injected flu vaccine may include pain, swelling, hardness, redness, and bruising at the injection site, but these symptoms usually resolve within the first two days. Once vaccinated, the body will start producing antibodies against the flu within two to three weeks.
Ideally, people should be vaccinated by the end of October, before the winter peak of flu cases, or before the flu virus begins circulating in the area. Individuals can protect themselves and those around them by getting vaccinated, particularly those more vulnerable to severe illness. It is important to remember that while the flu vaccine may not provide complete protection against all strains of the flu, it can still reduce the severity and duration of the illness and lower the risk of complications.
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