17/11/2025
Understanding INFLUENZA (FLU)๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฉบ๐
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system โ nose, throat, and lungs.
It spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
๐CAUSE
โข Caused by influenza viruses (Types A, B โ most common; C is mild; D affects animals)
๐INCUBATION PERIOD
โข 1โ4 days after exposure
๐SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Often sudden in onset:
โข High fever
โข Chills
โข Headache
โข Severe body aches
โข Dry cough
โข Sore throat
โข Runny/stuffy nose
โข Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
โข Loss of appetite
โข Sometimes vomiting/diarrhea (more in children)
๐TRANSMISSION
โข Droplets (coughing/sneezing)
โข Touching contaminated surfaces then touching nose/mouth
โข Close contact with infected person
๐DIAGNOSIS
Usually based on symptoms.
If needed:
โข Rapid influenza test
โข PCR test (more accurate)
๐TREATMENT
Supportive care
โข Rest
โข Plenty of fluids
โข Paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever/body aches
โข Cough remedies if needed
Antiviral medications (best within 48 hours)
โข Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
โข Zanamivir
โข Baloxavir
These shorten illness and reduce complications.
๐COMPLICATIONS (more common in elderly, pregnant women, and chronic illness)
โข Pneumonia
โข Severe dehydration
โข Worsening asthma/COPD
โข Sinus & ear infections
โข Hospitalization
โข Rare: myocarditis, encephalitis
๐PREVENTION
1. Annual influenza vaccine
โข Best protection
โข Recommended for everyone โฅ 6 months old
2. Hygiene measures
โข Frequent handwashing
โข Cover mouth when coughing
โข Avoid close contact with sick individuals
โข Mask use in crowded or flu season settings
ใ