Disease
Influenza
viruses affect the respiratory tract by lysis of the epithelial cells and
desquamation of respiratory lining; this triggers proinflammatory immune response of cytokines
to circulate the body via blood
which result in fever, muscle aches, and malaise (Bauman,
2014; & Rapid, 2012).
-Other symptoms include headaches, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, pharyngitis, congestion, and rhinorrhea (Bauman, 2014). -Interferons and other components of the immune system, restrict influenza viruses in the respiratory system (Rapid, 2012). (Bauman, 2014). Treatment |
The key to diagnosis of influenza viruses is the practitioner’s knowledge of circulating influenza in the community along with the respiratory illness and symptoms, especially during the winter time (Rapid, 2012).
Other determining factors to consider for treatment are: chronic heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and whether a patient has been vaccinated or not (Rapid, 2012). -Blood test such as immunoflourecent or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can be use to distinguish the strain of virus (Bauman, 2014). -Antihistamines and pain relievers are used to alleviate flu symptom; aspirin should not be used in children or teenagers due to the increase risk of developing Reye’s syndrome. -Prescription drugs such as oseltamivir pills or inhaled zanamivir mist are neuraminidase inhibitors that block the release of virions of infected cells; *these medications should be taken within 48 hours of onset of symptoms to be effective. -Finally the WHO organization in Asia track down any new strains or changes of HA or NA antigens of influenza viruses and develop new vaccines for new strains from deactivated viruses for every flu season in the United States (Bauman, 2014). -Culling from infected birds, immunization by injection or inhalation with multivalent vaccines that contain many antigens at once is the greatest success in controlling flu epidemics (Bauman, 2014). -Vaccines usually provides 70% protection for no more than three years while active immunity protects for a much longer time, if not a lifetime *And in case you were concerned, you cannot get flu from vaccines |