Influenza

What is Influenza? The influenza virus is a contagious respiratory illness. It can cause mild to severe sickness and in rare instances can lead to death. While most healthy people recover from the flu without complications, some people, such as older people, young children and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. What is Swine Flu? Swine flu is caused by the influenza virus and there have been frequent outbreaks of swine flu amongst pigs, where the disease has resulted in a high rate of infection. Recently, a new strain of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus has developed that is much more easily transmissible between humans. Confirmed first in Mexico, swine flu is spreading rapidly around the world, with the World Health Organisation warning options are limited to contain the spread of the virus.

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There are many different variations of Swine Flu as the virus is constantly evolving. In the 20th century, there have been 3 recorded pandemics of influenza causing fatalities worldwide. These pandemics were the result of new strain of the virus developing. The current strain of swine flu reported in April 2009 is a new strain of the virus never previously seen before, causing a great level of concern for individuals nearby infected areas.

Be Aware of Flu Symptoms

The flu usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhoea and vomiting also can occur but are more common in children.

These symptoms are referred to as "flu-like symptoms." A lot of different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.

Know the Risk from the Flu

Some of the complications caused by the flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children and adults may develop sinus problems and ear infections.

Know How the Flu Spreads

The flu spreads in respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It usually spreads from person to person, though occasionally a person may become infected by touching something with virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

Adults may be able to infect others 1 day before getting symptoms and up to 7 days after getting sick. So it is possible to give someone the flu before you know you're sick as well as while you are sick.

Preventing the Flu

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each winter, but there are other measures that can help protect against the flu.

Diagnosing the Flu

There are tests that can determine if you have the flu as long you are tested within the first 2 or 3 days of illness. Also, a doctor's exam may be needed to tell whether you have another infection that is a complication of the flu.

What To Do If You Get Sick

There are steps you can take if you get sick with the flu.

Antiviral Medications

Four antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, zanamavir, and oseltamivir) are approved for treatment of the flu. These are prescription medications, and a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used. Antiviral treatment lasts for 5 days and must be started within 2 days of illness so if you get flu-like symptoms, seek medical care early on.

Other Ways to Respond to the Flu

If you get the flu, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and tobacco. Also, you can take medications to relieve the symptoms of the flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).

If you are at high risk from complications of the flu, you should consult your health-care provider if you develop flu-like symptoms. Those at high risk for complications include people 65 years or older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women and young children. Your doctor may recommend use of an antiviral medication to help treat the flu.

Look Out for Emergency Warning Signs

There are some "emergency warning signs" that require urgent medical attention. In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish skin color Not drinking enough fluids Not waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Fever with a rash In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting

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Seek medical care immediately (call your doctor or go to an emergency room) if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the signs above. When you arrive, tell the reception staff that you think you have the flu. You may be asked to wear a mask and/or sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.