About Influenza (The Flu)
By Henry-001 on
Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by
Influenza
Flu
Seasonal flu to distinguish it from other types of flu, such as avian flu or swine flu
What is Influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses. It affects your nose, throat, and sometimes your lungs. The flu usually comes on suddenly and can make you feel very sick, but most people get better in a few days to two weeks. Some people can have serious problems from the flu, like pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, or ear infections. It can also make chronic health issues worse. For example, people with asthma may have asthma attacks, and people with heart problems may get sicker while they have the flu.
What are Common Symptoms of the Flu?
Fever or feeling feverish/chills
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
How Does the Flu Spread?
The flu spreads mainly by tiny droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of nearby people. Less often, a person might get the flu by touching a surface or object with the flu virus and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Can the Flu Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine helps your body make antibodies, which protect you from the flu. The flu virus changes often, so the vaccine is updated each year to match the most common strains. Washing your hands and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze also helps stop the flu from spreading.
Trend
In the United States: The flu affects millions yearly. Between 2010 and 2020, the CDC estimated annual ranges of 9 million to 41 million illnesses and 12,000 to 52,000 deaths.
Recent Activity: During the 2019-2020 season, there were approximately 38 million illnesses and 22,000 deaths.
Projections: Looking ahead to the next five years, experts predict that the number of flu cases will continue to fluctuate annually based on vaccine effectiveness and circulating strains.
History
The flu has been documented for centuries, with the first recorded pandemic occurring in 1580. The most notable outbreak was the Spanish flu of 1918-1919, which caused an estimated 50 million deaths worldwide. Other major 20th-century pandemics include the Asian flu (1957) and the Hong Kong flu (1968), followed by the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic in 2009. A major milestone in management was the development of the first flu vaccine in the 1940s, which established the foundation for modern annual vaccination programs.
Influenza - Source of Information
For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.