Influenza (flu)

By David Walters

&

Thomas Hall

What is Influenza

Influenza is a moderately sever and contagious respiratory disease.

The causative agent for Influenza is the Influenza virus.

Symptoms and Annual Deaths

Symptoms of Influenza are chills, fevers, headaches, and general muscle pains.

About 50,000 to 70,000 die annually because of the flu.

Types of Influenza

Influenza is split into 3 different types.Influenza A, which can affect humans and other animals

Influenza B, which can only be found in humans.

Influenza C, which is a milder forms of Influenza A.

H and N spikes

The spikes are used for identifying different strains of viruses.

There are about 15 subunits of H, and 9 of N.

An example would be H1N1.

Diagram of Influenza

Diagnosis and Treatment

A simple clinical test can be done.

The test doesn’t tell you how severe of a case of Influenza you have.

Treatment is mainly antiviral drugs.

Prevention

Washing your hands a few times a day.

Avoid contact to your face with your hands.

Stay home if you are sick, and avoid sick people.

Sources

Microbiology an introduction. Tortora, Funke, and Case.

http://www.handsonhealth-sc.org/page.php?id=1300

http://www.lungusa.org/lung-disease/influenza/?gclid=CLa3mtrp058CFQLHsgodEk8ycQ