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Influenza

Flu (influenza) is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include; a sudden fever, headache, aches, sore throat and a dry chesty cough.

How do you catch Influenza?
Flu is spread by coughs, sneezes and contact with those who already have the disease

Incubation period
1 to 4 days

Diagnosis

Based on the symptoms. Usually self-diagnosed by the person who has the infection.

Prevention
Use a tissue to catch germs when coughing/sneezing, bin used tissues as quickly as possible and wash hands often with warm water and soap. A vaccine is available annually which helps reduce the risk of catching flu. This is available through the NHS to people in certain risk groups. It is also available privately through MASTA.

Treatment
No specific treatment is available for flu, remedies are available from a pharmacist to help relieve symptoms. Anti-virals may be prescribed for people in high-risk groups if needed.

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Vaccination options

 

Single vaccine available to provide protection. This is formulated each year to protect against the current circulating strains.

 

Level of protection: Uncertain as flu is very unpredictable, but will provide healthy adults with some protection against all strains, even those not included in the vaccine.

 

Protection duration: Protection from flu gradually decreases over time, so annual vaccination is recommended.

 

How is it given: Single Injection

 

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Did you know?

  • There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. Types A and B cause epidemics, type D only affects cattle. Type C viruses only cause mild infections and are less common.
  • The WHO monitors influenza viruses each year to determine which strains of flu the vaccine should be formulated to protect against in the northern hemisphere.
  • Circulating influenza viruses are constantly changing, so that new strains can appear and cause pandemics (worldwide outbreaks).