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WiRED International Focuses on Risk of Influenza as Flu Season Begins Worldwide

BY ALLISON KOZICHAROW

E

ven as attention remains on Ebola, WiRED International emphasizes also the prevention of another threat—influenza, both abroad and in the U.S. We now offer an updated flu module in our e-library. This module presents one-stop shopping information on the illness through video, diagrams, photos and quizzes—and as always free of charge.

 

As flu season begins worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) projects that 3 to 5 million people will catch the illness, and 250,000 to 500,000 will die from it. Seasonal influenza viruses circulate worldwide and can affect anybody in any age group. Flu poses a serious public health problem that causes severe illness and death.

 

Learn About the Flu

 

Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection caused by an influenza virus. There are three types of seasonal influenza viruses—A, B and C. Among many subtypes of influenza A viruses, influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) subtypes are currently circulating among humans.

 

Ebola vs. Flu
Click image to enlarge

Seasonal influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and runny nose. Cough can be severe and can last two or more weeks. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention, but influenza can cause severe illness or death especially in people at high risk (see below). The time from infection to illness, known as the incubation period, is about two days.

 

Who Is Most at Risk?

 

Yearly influenza epidemics can seriously affect all populations, but the highest risk of complications occurs among children younger than 2 years, adults 65 years or older, pregnant women and people of any age with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), or weakened immune systems.

 

Do’s and Don'ts

  • Do get a flu shot
  • Do wash your hands properly and regularly
  • Do cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing
  • Do keep hydrated and get lots of rest
  • Don’t take antibiotics (flu is a virus, not a bacterial infection)
  • Don’t smoke
  • Don’t overload with cold remedies or exercise

Tips on Avoiding the Flu

 

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection. Seasonal flu spreads easily from person to person and can sweep through schools, nursing homes, businesses or towns. When an infected person coughs, droplets containing the virus get into the air, and another person can breathe them in and be exposed. The virus can also be spread by hands contaminated with influenza viruses. We encourage readers to review our handwashing module for proper techniques to help prevent catching and spreading the flu.

 

What to Do If You Get It

 

Antiviral drugs are available for treatment; however, influenza viruses can develop resistance to some drugs. Antiviral drugs may reduce severe complications and deaths. Ideally, the drugs need to be administered early in the disease (within 48 hours of onset of symptoms). In addition to taking drugs, follow the do’s and don’ts listed above. It is important to note that antibiotics do not help with the flu, and so should not be used unless your condition has changed to a bacterial infection.

 

WiRED International’s Message

 

Although Ebola continues to capture the headlines, it is important to remain alert to other potential outbreaks of disease, such as the flu. As ever, WiRED International continues in its mission to bring health information free of charge to communities worldwide.

 

Resources

WHO: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs211/en

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/flu.htm

and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/fluactivitysurv.htm

WiRED International, hand hygiene: http://www.wiredhealthresources.net/mod-ebola.html

 

 

 

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