HSA 535
Identify the transmission and symptoms of the flu, treatments that are currently available, and how your organization can help mitigate the spread of this disease.
Influenza is a viral infection that harbors on the respiratory system. This infectious disease mostly known as the flu is highly contagious and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Depending on the immune system of the individual affected and the strength of the symptoms it can at times lead to death. To understand how to treat it is important for individuals to know and recognize the symptoms. Unlike the common cold, the flu comes on suddenly. Many who have the flu experience some or all of the following symptoms:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough (persistent or intermittent)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
In addition to the above symptoms, young children may also have symptoms of diarrhea and or vomiting. Adults may also have similar symptoms but it is crucial not to confuse it with the stomach virus. Many people who have the flu are generally bet within two weeks or less however in rare instances complications like pneumonia can occur. Though it is rare, serous complication that stem from the flu cause death.
It is important to know about how the flu is transmitted from one individual to the next. Experts agree that the flu virus is spread by an affected individual’s droplets from talking coughing or sneezing. These droplets that can extend out to 6 feet in distance can be inhaled or land on people’s mouths or noses. The virus can also be spread by touching an object of an affected individual and then placing their hands on their own nose and mouth. The flu is contagious and affected individuals are able to spread the virus anywhere from one day before symptoms develop to up to seven days after becoming sick. This is crucial because one can spread the virus to others unknowingly before getting sick themselves. Individuals can carry
Influenza is a viral infection that harbors on the respiratory system. This infectious disease mostly known as the flu is highly contagious and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Depending on the immune system of the individual affected and the strength of the symptoms it can at times lead to death. To understand how to treat it is important for individuals to know and recognize the symptoms. Unlike the common cold, the flu comes on suddenly. Many who have the flu experience some or all of the following symptoms:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough (persistent or intermittent)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
In addition to the above symptoms, young children may also have symptoms of diarrhea and or vomiting. Adults may also have similar symptoms but it is crucial not to confuse it with the stomach virus. Many people who have the flu are generally bet within two weeks or less however in rare instances complications like pneumonia can occur. Though it is rare, serous complication that stem from the flu cause death.
It is important to know about how the flu is transmitted from one individual to the next. Experts agree that the flu virus is spread by an affected individual’s droplets from talking coughing or sneezing. These droplets that can extend out to 6 feet in distance can be inhaled or land on people’s mouths or noses. The virus can also be spread by touching an object of an affected individual and then placing their hands on their own nose and mouth. The flu is contagious and affected individuals are able to spread the virus anywhere from one day before symptoms develop to up to seven days after becoming sick. This is crucial because one can spread the virus to others unknowingly before getting sick themselves. Individuals can carry
References: Steven T. Fleming, Managerial Epidemiology, Second edition, 2008 CDC: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease(NCIRD) Flu.gov: Pandemic Planning update VI by secretary Michael Lenett Healthcare.gov www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease symptoms