What Is Influenza?
Every year up to 11% of the American population is infected with influenza (flu). This respiratory illness comes in many different strains and can be highly contagious. Many cases are mild, but some severe cases result in death. There are many factors that can increase the risk of a fatal infection, as well as a number of prevention strategies to reduce your risk.
Find out more about the different strains of the flu, how it spreads, prevention strategies and why the flu vaccine is recommended to reduce the risk of an annual flu infection. Explore the common symptoms to determine whether you need to see a doctor for your flu-like symptoms.
1. What Are the Different Types of Influenza?
There are four main types of influenza, with many different subtypes. The four types are: A, B, C and D. Only influenza A and B are known to cause seasonal epidemics. Influenza C rarely affects humans and typically causes mild cases, while influenza D primarily infects cattle.
Each main type is then further classified into subtypes and given an H and N number such as H1N1 or H3N2. The infection rate, severity and other factors vary depending on the subtype of the flu. Understanding subtypes is critical to developing a vaccine and preventing further serious cases.
2. What Are Common Symptoms of Influenza?
The flu is a common illness in the United States, so many individuals have already experienced the symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can vary based on the severity of the case and the subtype of flu.
Common symptoms include a fever, sore throat, cough, headaches, fatigue, stuffy nose, body aches and vomiting. These symptoms may all be present, or the case may be asymptomatic. Different individuals react to the flu in different ways, so your household may all have the same strain of the flu and experience unique symptoms.
3. Are There Any Complications?
Influenza can cause a number of complications. These can range from a mild sinus infection to congestive heart failure or death. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the flu is the key to preventing these severe complications.
Cases of the flu can include complications of ear and sinus infections, diabetes, asthma, bacterial pneumonia or congestive heart failure. At-risk individuals have a higher risk of experiencing these complications, and some subtypes are more serious of a threat than others. Individuals with a history of chronic medical conditions have a higher chance of experiencing these complications.
4. How Does It Spread?
The flu is a contagious illness that spreads from person to person when they are less than six feet apart. It is believed to be spread through droplets that spread as people talk, cough or sneeze while infected. In some cases, the flu virus can spread by an infected individual touching a surface or object.
The most common period of infection is within three to four days after experiencing symptoms. Individuals who have just received the flu virus are highly contagious. Some adults can begin spreading the virus a full day before symptoms are present and up to a week after experiencing flu symptoms.
5. What Is the Flu Season?
The flu dramatically increases in activity in the fall and winter months in the United States, creating an annual flu season. From October to May, particularly from December to February, the cases of influenza are dramatically higher than other times of the year.
Fall and winter is a common time for respiratory viruses and bacteria to spread. The common cold and other pathogens are typically present in this season as well, so it isn’t always clear whether an individual has the flu or another respiratory illness. Knowing about the flu season gives you an opportunity to protect yourself from the flu and the risk of complications.
6. Are There Any Treatment Options?
For many cases, rest is the most important treatment option. Limit your activity, drink plenty of fluids and rest when possible. Try to avoid contact with other individuals in order to prevent the spread of this contagious viral disease. Prevention strategies, such as receiving an annual flu vaccine, are also recommended as you enter the flu season.
Individuals with severe cases or who are at a high risk of complications may consider taking preventative medication. Ask your doctor about prescribing an antiviral drug to lessen symptoms and shorten the time of your sickness by one or two days.
7. What Are the Differences Between Influenza and the Common Cold?
Both the common cold and influenza are respiratory illnesses caused by a virus. They are also both contagious, so it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Understanding the differences can help you determine the right treatment plan.
The common cold is typically milder than the flu. A cold may have similar symptoms, but rarely includes feelings of complete exhaustion and other severe symptoms. The common cold has no known medical treatment option, but there are antiviral options available for the flu.
8. Who Is at Risk for Contracting the Flu?
Because the flu is a highly contagious viral infection, everyone is at risk of contracting the flu. Healthy individuals with active immune systems are all capable of becoming sick when exposed to an infected individual. However, there are some population groups that are at a higher risk of severe cases and complications.
Individuals over 65 years old, anyone with a chronic medical condition and children under five years old are all at a higher risk of developing a serious case of influenza. Look for signs of fever above 104 degrees, difficulty breathing, seizures or other signs of a serious case.
9. Why Is the Influenza Vaccine Annual?
The flu vaccine is adapted and released every year to combat new strains of the flu. Unlike other vaccines, a single flu vaccine may not protect you from the risk of infection from year after year.
This is in part due to the unique nature of the flu virus. This virus is highly adaptable, so every flu season includes one or more new strains. A flu vaccine improves your immune system to better combat the virus, but your antibody levels can decline over time.
10. What Is the Recommended Prevention Strategy?
The flu vaccine is one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu. Everyone over the age of six months should be vaccinated every year. Researchers are working on vaccine alternatives that offer multi-year or lifetime protection, but it’s currently recommended to continue to receive an annual vaccine.
Rest and avoiding exposure to contagious individuals are other recommended strategies. If you experience signs of the flu, stay home and try to avoid exposing other individuals.
