Term:
Influenza
Description:
A viral infection of the respiratory tract that causes fever, headache, muscle aches, and weakness.
Causes and Risk
There are three types of influenza virus. All are spread from person to person by inhaling infected droplets from the air. Type A is usually responsible for the large outbreaks and is a constantly changing virus. New strains of Type A virus develop regularly and result in a new epidemic every few years. Types B and C are fairly stable viruses. Type B causes smaller outbreaks, and Type C usually causes mild illness similar to the common cold. The incidence is 7 out of 1,000 people.
Symptoms:
fever
cough with or without mucus
nasal discharge
headache
muscle aches and stiffness
shortness of breath
chills
sweating
fatigue
malaise
stuffy, congested nose
throat, sore
skin, clammy
nosebleed - symptom
nausea & vomiting
joint stiffness
elbow pain
appetite, loss
abnormal taste
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to alleviate the symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Bed rest, analgesics (pain killers) for muscle aches and pains, and warm fluids may help to relieve the discomfort of the symptoms.
Amantadine (antiviral medication) may be indicated for the elderly and people with heart or lung conditions, who face increased risk of more serious illness associated with influenza.
Prevention
Anti-influenza vaccines (flu shots) are recommended annually for people who are 65 years of age or older, anyone with chronic heart or lung conditions, and those living in institutions. The vaccine has a 60 to 70 percent success rate in preventing infection.
For older individuals who have been exposed to the virus, the drug amantadine may be given to prevent them from actually getting the flu. This may also be used for treatment.
*You should always seek a professional physician's
advice before trying to administer any type of treatment.
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Please contact our Physician Referral Service
at (702) 383-1904.
* All material provided in the UMC website,
or it's related web pages, is provided for educational purposes
only. Consult your own physician, or visit a UMC Primary
Care, regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations
with respect to your symptoms or medical condition.
