Influenza, better known as the flu, is a disease that often affects the respiratory system and can have a serious impact on health. But what are the causes of influenza?
By knowing the cause, you can identify the symptoms to prevent further transmission to others, especially for vulnerable groups such as infants, toddlers, and people with weakened immune systems.
To find out what influenza disease is, its causes, risk factors and symptoms, complications, to diagnose and how to prevent and treat it, follow the full review below!
As the name implies, influenza or flu is a medical condition caused by infection with the influenza virus. The virus attacks the human respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs.
Influenza often occurs during the transitional season and can spread quickly, especially in the first 3-4 days after you are infected with the flu virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, cough, loss of appetite, and sore throat.
As mentioned earlier, the main cause of the disease is the influenza virus that attacks the human respiratory system. The virus consists of several types, namely types A, B and C, with the following details:
Type A is the most common cause of widespread flu and can cause a global pandemic.
Examples of the virus subtypes are H1N1 and H3N2 which tend to be fickle in nature, requiring different vaccinations each year to counter the new variants that emerge.
Type B usually causes more localized flu outbreaks and symptoms tend to be milder than those of type A influenza viruses.
Compared to the previous two types, type C viruses cause the mildest influenza and are less likely to cause outbreaks.
In general, influenza viruses are spread through the air in the form of droplets when infected individuals cough, sneeze and talk.
In addition, transmission can also occur through direct contact with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with influenza viruses, as well as through physical contact such as handshakes with infected people.
Although influenza in everyone is caused by a virus, there are some specific factors that can increase a person's risk of developing the disease.
Some examples of individuals who have a higher risk of influenza viruses usually have the following risk factors:
1. Having a weak immune system.
2. Are pregnant or have recently given birth.
3. Young children (toddlers) and elderly people.
4. Have pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, obesity, etc.
5. Working or being in public facilities.
6. Physical condition of the body is not in good shape or not enough rest.
After being infected with the virus, people with influenza will begin to show symptoms within 1 to 4 days. At this stage, the patient can also transmit the virus to others, even though symptoms have not yet appeared. Here's an example of common symptoms:
1. Fever.
2. Body muscles feel sore.
3. Body shivering and sweating.
4. Continuous (chronic) dry cough.
5. Headache.
6. Shortness or difficulty breathing.
7. Feeling tired and weak.
8. Snotty and/or stuffy nose.
9. Sore throat.
10. May be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, especially in children.
These common symptoms may appear 2-3 days after infection. Most of the symptoms will disappear quickly in less than a week, but coughing and weakness can last up to several weeks. If you want professional treatment for influenza, trust Persada Hospital.
In general, the virus that causes influenza disease can disappear and heal itself without complications or additional problems.
However, if not treated appropriately, there is a risk of developing other health problems or even serious complications. Some examples of complications that can arise due to influenza include:
1. Asthma attack.
2. Heart problems.
3. Ear infection.
4. Pneumonia.
5. Bronchitis.
If some of the initial symptoms that have disappeared reappear after a few days, there may be a secondary infection developing.
In this case, it is important to have a medical examination to confirm the condition. Because if left untreated, this infection can develop into pneumonia which is a serious threat to health and life.
To diagnose whether a person has been infected with the virus that causes influenza or not, doctors generally take several steps.
The doctor will first take a medical history to understand the patient's complaints and symptoms, such as nasal congestion, hoarseness, or sneezing. In addition, the doctor will also perform a physical examination, checking whether there is a fever or not.
If needed, the doctor may refer the patient for additional investigations, such as blood tests, especially if the patient's flu symptoms tend to be severe or have lasted more than 10 days.
Usually, flu sufferers only need to rest and increase fluid intake to manage their symptoms because flu can heal on its own. However, there are also some other steps that can be taken, namely:
1. Wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of the flu virus to other people or objects around you.
2. Using a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throwing the tissue away.
3. Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, juice, or soup.
4. Take painkillers such as paracetamol to reduce fever and muscle pain.
In addition, it should be noted that certain strains of influenza-causing viruses such as avian influenza can cause severe symptoms and require more intensive medical treatment.
If symptoms do not improve or alarming signs appear, consult a doctor immediately. However, if bird flu is confirmed, the individual will be treated in isolation, and the doctor will prescribe antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir or zanamivir.
In addition to influenza vaccination, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene is an effective step in flu prevention. Here are some ways you can do this:
1. Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If there is no water and soap, use hand sanitizer.
2. Not touching the face, especially the mouth, nose and eyes after touching surfaces that may be contaminated.
3. Regularly clean the surface of frequently touched objects with disinfectant liquid.
However, if you are already infected with the flu, efforts to reduce transmission to others can be made by:
1. Avoid close contact with others, especially for 24 hours after the fever subsides.
2. Wear a mask when interacting outside the house.
3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then immediately discard the tissue and wash your hands.
One important step in preventing influenza is to get the influenza vaccine, especially for at-risk individuals. Some examples of groups that are advised to get vaccinated as they are more prone to complications include:
1. Elderly, especially 65 years and above.
2. Baby.
3. Pregnant women.
4. People who live with individuals prone to infection due to weakened immune systems, such as HIV patients, transplant patients, or those undergoing cancer therapy.
5. Health workers.
To prevent the causes of influenza and treat its symptoms, you can seek medical attention at a trusted hospital. The most recommended one for you is Persada Hospital.
Persada Hospital is a private hospital in Malang that provides complete services for various health problems, including influenza. Visit Persada Hospital to get the best care or treatment for influenza! To get more information, contact us!
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