What Is Winter Flu?
Winter flu, or seasonal influenza, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by RNA viruses known as the influenza viruses that pose a significant health threat, particularly to vulnerable populations. Seasonal influenza epidemics are observed worldwide with considerable morbidity and mortality. The flu typically occurs in a seasonal pattern, with outbreaks peaking during the fall and winter months. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are approximately 3 to 5 million cases and 250,000–500,000 deaths due to flu each year world-wide. Persons <5 and >64 years are more likely to have higher influenza flu complications, especially if they are already immune-compromised.
Which Body Parts Are Affected By The Flu?
What Causes The Flu?
Influenza viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family, and there are three main types: A, B, and C. Influenza A and B are responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks, while Influenza C usually causes milder respiratory symptoms.
Influenza A has a broader host range, infecting humans and animals, while influenza B primarily affects humans. Vaccination is a key preventive measure against flu viruses.
How Does The Virus Cause Flu?
The respiratory epithelial cells in the nose, throat, and lungs become infected by the influenza A and B viruses, which then cause the flu. After entering their host cells, the viruses multiply and spread to nearby cells. The immune system is triggered by this process, which results in symptoms including fever, coughing, and bodily aches. Additionally, the viruses have the ability to mutate genetically, which makes it difficult to build immunity over time and necessitates the need for yearly vaccination updates.
What Are The Signs Of Flu?
Do Flu and Cold Symptoms Overlap?
Since seasonal influenza and a common cold have similar symptoms, telling them apart can be difficult. Nonetheless, influenza frequently manifests more abruptly and intensely than a cold.
How does Seasonal Flu Lead to Death?
Complications from the seasonal flu, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, or subsequent bacterial infections, can be fatal. In extreme situations, extensive inflammation brought on by the flu can potentially result in organ failure due to the immune system's reaction. There is an increased danger for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly or people with existing medical issues. Preventing severe results requires early medical intervention and vaccination.
How to Treat Flu?
The majority of folks get over their illness on their own. Individuals should seek medical attention if they have severe symptoms or other medical issues.
How Does The Flu Spread?
During the colder season, people are indoors more often, allowing viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. And the cold, dry air may weaken resistance.
The winter flu primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face.
How to Avoid Spreading The Flu?
Maintain proper hygiene by washing your hands often, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and avoiding close contact with ill people. If you're sick, stay at home to stop the virus from spreading.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Vaccinating against the winter flu, also referred to as getting the flu shot, lowers the risk of contracting influenza. It entails getting vaccinated against inactivated influenza viruses. By encouraging the production of antibodies by the immune system, the vaccination protects against particular types of the flu. Every year is advised since flu viruses might evolve. Vaccination lessens the chance of complications and lessens the intensity of symptoms. It's crucial for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, small children, and people with specific medical conditions.
Why Is The Flu Difficult To Treat?
One of the main factors making treating the flu challenging is the influenza virus's rapid mutation. New strains of viruses arise as a result of this ongoing genetic variety, which makes it difficult for vaccinations and antiviral drugs to offer broad-spectrum, durable protection. In addition to the constant need for vaccinations to adapt to new strains of the virus, antiviral resistance can make treatment efforts more difficult.
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