Influenza is caused by a virus that attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Influenza, commonly called the flu. People with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.
Most healthy adults may be able to infect other people beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children may pass the virus for longer than 7 days. Symptoms start 1 to 4 days after the virus enters the body. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Some people can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.
There are two main types of Flu Virus. Type A flu or influenza A viruses are capable of infecting animals, although it is more common for people to suffer the ailments associated with this type of flu. Wild birds commonly act as the hosts for this flu virus. Type A flu virus is constantly changing and is generally responsible for the large flu epidemics. One of the most infectious sub groups was H1N1.
Unlike type A flu viruses, Type B flu is found only in humans. Type B flu may cause a less severe reaction than type A flu virus, but occasionally, type B flu can still be extremely harmful. Influenza type B viruses are not classified by subtype and do not cause pandemics.
Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. The peak of flu season is anywhere from late November through March. The elderly, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly.
Symptoms
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Prevention
- Stay away from sick people and stay home if sick.
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Do not share linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick without washing thoroughly first.
- Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected at home, work and school, especially if someone is ill.
The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Flu vaccines protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu every year. Get vaccinated soon after vaccine becomes available in your community, ideally by October. Immunity sets in about two weeks after vaccination. Prevention of influenza is the most effective management strategy. Influenza A and B vaccine is administered each year before flu season. The CDC analyzes the vaccine subtypes each year and makes any necessary changes on the basis of worldwide trends.
Test options
INF A/B/H1N1: Detection and differentiation of Influenza A, B and H1N1
Learn more about Influenza
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm
http://www.who.int/influenza/en/
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/tc/influenza-topic-overview
