Recall the epidemiology and complications associated with
influenza.
Influenza is a communicable virus that infects mostly the respiratory tract of human. It can be transferred from one individual to other through the respiratory droplets expelled from mouth during coughing, sneezing and talking. It can also be transmitted by touching the body organs like nose or eye or touching soil containing virus.
The symptoms of influenza include high fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough. It spreads very rapidly in the seasonal epidemics.
In the recent few decades, some more lethal strains of influenza have also been introduced.
Epidemiology :
Influenza A was first isolated by researchers in 1933 and seven years later, Influenza B was also isolated. Influenza epidemic occurs every year in the regions of northern and southern hemisphere during winter season. The affected age group, severity of the epidemic and the rate of complications vary greatly during this season.
H3N2 influenza virus is a more severe virus among elderly people and children. WHO, in their global influenza virologic surveillance states that every month influenza viruses are isolated from humans in a geographical region. Influenza activity usually peaks during winters in temperate regions, between October and March in the Northern Hemisphere and between April and August in the Southern Hemisphere. However, it circulates year-round in the tropical belt.
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