Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated after the death of 2 children and a healthy father of three children, who was aged 37 has been reported by SBS and News.com.au.
As children return to school the fear is the case numbers will rise during the winter.
The Queensland government have reacted this week by offering Free flu jabs for everyone in a bid to curb a steep rise in cases. Western Australia started a program in May this year with programs in other states ended June 30. Please Check your local news and government websites for any updates on availability following the date of this article.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman confirmed the state would fund free flu jabs from Saturday until the end of August, repeating a successful blitz in 2022.
In addition to getting vaccinated, there are simple steps you can take to avoid the flu. Avoid touching your mouth after touching surfaces, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands regularly, and steer clear of close contact with people who have the flu.
Want to know more about Influenza? read on….
What is Influenza: Understanding the Common Viral Infection
What is Influenza?
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. The influenza virus primarily targets the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The flu virus can cause illness that ranges from mild to severe, and at times can be fatal. This blog aims to provide an in-depth understanding of influenza, its causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment.
What Causes Influenza?
Influenza is caused by the influenza virus, specifically types A, B, and C which belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for the majority of flu cases in humans, while influenza C viruses usually cause milder respiratory symptoms.
The influenza virus can change its genetic makeup through antigenic drift and, less commonly, antigenic shift. Antigenic drift involves gradual genetic changes that create new virus strains over time. Antigenic shift occurs when different strains of the virus combine, creating a new subtype.
These genetic changes in the influenza virus are the reasons why new flu vaccines need to be developed and administered each year. Organisations like WHO (World Health Organization), monitor circulating influenza strains to determine the most suitable strains for inclusion in annual flu vaccines.
Symptoms of Influenza
The symptoms of influenza can vary from mild to severe. Common signs include the following:
How is Influenza transmitted?
Flu viruses primarily spread through small droplets produced when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can be inhaled by people nearby or land on their mouths or noses. The virus can also survive on surfaces for a limited time. Touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching one's own mouth, nose, or eyes, increases the risk of transmission through contact with contaminated objects.
Influenza Contagious Period
Take note that you can spread the flu to others before realising you're sick and while experiencing symptoms.
Anyone can contract the flu, including healthy individuals. However, higher risks for the following groups:
1. Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing flu and its complications. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended especially for individuals at high risk, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions. More information about flu vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
2. Get tested if you are feeling the symptoms for your awareness and to prevent from contaminating other individuals. Flu and Covid Combo Antigen Test are available at medcart.com.au.
3. Practice Good Hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or touching your face. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
4. Avoid Close Contact. Try to avoid close contact with individuals who are sick with flu-like symptoms. If you are sick, stay at home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
5. Cover Your Mouth and Nose. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow, rather than your hands. Dispose of used tissues properly and wash your hands afterward.
6. Avoid Touching Your Face. The flu virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoid touching your face, especially if your hands are not clean.
7. Clean and Disinfect. Keep frequently-touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones, clean and disinfected. This helps eliminate viruses that may be present.
8. Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and clear soups, to keep your body hydrated and support a healthy immune system.
9. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle and Boost Your Immunity. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, staying physically active, and managing stress can help strengthen your immune system and reduce your susceptibility to illnesses. Taking vitamin supplements (if advised by a healthcare professional), and managing chronic conditions.
10. Follow Public Health Guidelines. Stay informed about flu outbreaks and follow any guidelines or recommendations provided by public health authorities. They may advise additional preventive measures based on the current situation.
How to treat Flu?
Antiviral medications can help reduce the severity and duration of influenza symptoms. These medications work by inhibiting the replication of the virus within the body. However, they are most effective when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptom relief are also recommended.
Note: always talk to your doctor or healthcare professional
Influenza Surveillance and Outbreaks
The Australian Influenza Surveillance Report, published by the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System, provides timely information on influenza activity throughout Australia. This report tracks the circulating strains of influenza and helps health authorities respond to outbreaks effectively.
Conclusion
Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide each year. Understanding the symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment of influenza is crucial for individuals and public health authorities. Vaccination, timely diagnosis, and appropriate management play significant roles in reducing the impact of influenza on both individuals and communities.
Sources
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d). Key Facts About Influenza (Flu). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm
- World Health Organization. (n.d.) Influenza (Seasonal). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/...
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d). Flu Symptoms & Complications. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.htm
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (n.d.) Influenza (flu) vaccine. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vac...
- Better Health Channel. (03 March 2023) . Influenza (flu). Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/condit...
