INFLUENZA
OBJECTIVES

INTRODUCTION

DISTRIBUTION

SYMPTOMS

HOW FLU SPREAD

PERIOD OF INCUBATION

TREATMENT

PREVENTION
INTRODUCTION

Acute respiratory infection

CAUSED BY: Influenza viruses

ONSET OF SYMPTOMS: The time from when a person is exposed and
infected with flu to when symptoms begin is about two days, but can
range from about one to four days.

INCUBATION PERIOD: About 2 days but ranges from one to four days.
DISTRIBUTION

OCCURANCE: IN TEMPERATE CLIMATES; mainly during winter
IN TROPICAL REGIONS; throughout the year

AGE: 19% in young children, 33% in older children, 30% in young adults,
14% in older adults and 4% in the elderly.
SYMPTOMS

Fever

Aching muscles

Chills and sweats

Headache

Persistent cough

Shortness of breath

Tiredness and weakness

Runny or stuffy nose

Sore throat

Eye pain
HOW FLU SPREADS
Flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu:

cough,

sneeze, or

talk.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby.
Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then
touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
PEROID OF CONTAGIOUSNESS
•
People with flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins.
•
Some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms
develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.
•
Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be
able to infect others for an even longer time.
TREATMENT

Currently 3 antiviral drugs recommended for the treatment of flu,
1.
Oseltamivir ( Tamiflu )
2.
Zanamivir ( Relenza )
3.
Peramivir ( rapivab )

These medicine help in preventing the release of viral particles from
infected host cells
FLU

Influenza is commonly called the flu but

Its not same as stomach flu virus

It is caused by different viruses except influenza virus ( i.e. rhinovirus,
seasonal coronavirus etc)

It causes diarrhea and vomiting

Its onset is gradual

Its duration is short
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLU AND
INFLUENZA
FLU
INFLUENZA

Gradual onset

Sudden onset

Stuffy nose

Fever

Runny nose

Headache

Less severe

Chills

Short duration

Body ache
PREVENTION

Healthy Habits to Help Protect Against Flu
1.
Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. ...
2.
Stay home when you are sick. ...
3.
Cover your mouth and nose. ...
4.
Clean your hands. ...
5.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. ...
6.
Practice other good health habits.