Influenza (Flu)
Let’s Get to Know Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is caused by the Influenza virus, leading to symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, body aches, and fatigue.
How Does Influenza Spread?
Influenza spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes.
Warning Signs of Influenza
Symptoms are similar to the common cold but tend to be more severe and can lead to complications. Common symptoms include:
- Runny nose, cough, and sore throat
- High fever
- Headache and fatigue
- Muscle aches
- In some cases: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
“Cover, Clean, Avoid, Stop” to Stay Safe from Influenza
- Cover: Wear a mask and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Clean: Wash hands frequently with soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid: Stay away from close contact with infected individuals
- Stop: If you are sick, stay home from school or work-even with mild symptoms-until fully recovered
Influenza Can Be Prevented with Vaccination
Influenza outbreaks are common during the rainy and winter seasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends annual influenza vaccination for both children and adults, especially for high-risk groups such as:
- Elderly individuals
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, asthma, liver disease, chronic kidney disease, stroke)
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (Example: 4-Strain Inactivated Vaccine)
This vaccine protects against both Influenza A and B viruses, improving coverage of circulating strains. Example strains include:
- A/Brisbane/02/2018 IVR-190 (H1N1)
- A/South Australia/34/2019 IVR-197 (H3N2)
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 (Yamagata lineage)
- B/Washington/02/2019 (Victoria lineage)
Who Should Not Receive or Should Delay the Vaccine?
- Infants under 6 months old
- Individuals with severe allergy to eggs or chicken proteins
- Those with a history of severe allergic reaction to influenza vaccines
- Individuals with acute illness or fever (vaccination should be postponed)
source : Rajavej Hospital Chiangmai
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team
Independent Writer
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