Influenza - symptom, Treatment of Influenza
Sudden onset respiratory illness caused by Influenza virus A or B.
Influenza A outbreaks take the form of seasonal epidemics with an abrupt increase in the number of people (especially children) who suffer from coughs, colds and fevers. The increase peaks in a population within a fortnight, with fresh cases appearing over the next 2 to 3 months.
Influenza B outbreaks usually occur in closed communities like hospitals and schools. Infection is restricted to the lining of the upper respiratory passages to begin with. It spreads as viral particles are shed in droplets when coughing and sneezing, or through direct contact, and through handkerchiefs and clothing. Signs of illness become evident within 72 hours of infection. 2 to 3 days after the illness sets in, the viral shedding stops, and the patient is no longer contagious.
Symptoms:
Fever (100 - 104° degrees F), body-ache and
cough/colds. Fever usually remits after the first 48 hours, but may last a week. Meter fever and body-ache settle, respiratory complaints increase.
Uncomplicated influenza does not last beyond the week.
Complications:
Pneumonia, especially in the elderly.
In children, Reye's syndrome, an encephalitis associated with aspirin ingestion, may be fatal. .
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