Influenza: Symptoms and Prevention With Vaccine In Each Years

Influenza (Flu)

     Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus, which has several strains. The flu virus can vary each year, leading to seasonal outbreaks.

How is Influenza transmitted?

     Influenza is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking. These droplets can be inhaled directly into the nose or mouth. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus, such as door handles or handrails, and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes. The virus incubates for 1-4 days before symptoms appear and can spread for 5-7 days after the onset of symptoms.

Influenza Situation in Thailand

     The Ministry of Public Health estimates that there are around 700,000 to 900,000 cases of influenza nationwide each year, with 10,000 to 70,000 cases of severe complications. The fatality rate from influenza with complications is about 2.5%.

Symptoms of Influenza

Influenza symptoms are usually more severe than the common cold and typically appear suddenly.

• High fever lasting several days, especially in children, with temperatures exceeding 39-40°C
• Runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, headache
• Shivering
• Muscle aches, fatigue, and loss of appetite
• In young children, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may also occur.

The Complications

   Some individuals with influenza may develop complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), middle ear infections, sinusitis, or febrile seizures in children.

The Diagnosis

     Influenza can be diagnosed through respiratory samples, typically using a swab from the nasal cavity, which is then sent for laboratory testing. Results can be obtained within 40-60 minutes.

Who is at risk for severe complications?

• Pregnant women or those within 2 weeks postpartum
• Children under 2 years old or adults over 65 years old
• Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, kidney failure, thalassemia, and diabetes
• Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV
• Individuals with brain disabilities who cannot care for themselves
• Individuals under 18 years old who have been using aspirin for extended periods
• Obese individuals with a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher

Treatment and Care after Influenza

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink water, oral rehydration solutions, or fruit juices and eat nutritious food
• Manage symptoms, such as using a damp cloth to reduce fever and taking antipyretic medications
• For severe symptoms, lack of improvement, or high-risk patients, see a doctor to consider antiviral treatment. The treatment is most effective if started within the first 48 hours.

Influenza Prevention

• Wash your hands frequently with soap or alcohol-based gel
• Do not share personal items, such as drinking straws or spoons
• Avoid close contact with infected individuals. If unavoidable, wear a face mask to prevent the spread of infection
• Eat a balanced diet, get sufficient sleep, and exercise regularly
• Visit a doctor to get the annual flu vaccine

Influenza Vaccine

     Influenza Vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older, especially those at high risk for severe complications. The vaccine can prevent the flu by 50-95%, and the immunity lasts for about a year. Therefore, it is recommended to get the flu vaccine every year.

Addition

     Influenza can be particularly severe in children and the elderly due to their weaker immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to complications. In some cases, complications may be severe enough to cause death, but this can be prevented with vaccination.