SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA

INFLUENZA

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infuenza

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by infection with influenza viruses that affect both upper and lower respiratory tract that is nose, throat and lungs, characterized by systemic manifestations such as high grade fever, headache, painful muscle and weakness. It cause mild to severe illness, hospitalization and death is usually due to serious complication of influenza.

CAUSES OF INFLUENZA

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influenza viruses

Influenza is caused by infection of the respiratory tract with influenza viruses, RNA viruses of the Orthomyxovirus genus. Influenza viruses are classified into 3 types: A, B, and C. Only virus types A and B commonly cause illness in humans. the distribution of these viruses varies from year to year and between geographic areas and time of year 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA

The duration of the symptoms differ from when a person is exposed to flu virus and infected to when symptoms begin is about one (1) to four (4) days, its  difficult distinguish between common cold and influenza. Influenza share both common cold and pneumonia symptoms, individual who has been affected by influenza show suddenly systemic symptoms rather than gradually about one to two days after infected.
  • Fever and chills
  • Dry cough
  • Sneezing
  • Sore throat
  • Runny / stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
  • Muscle / body aches (myaglia)
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue 
  • Ear pressure / Earache
  • In children, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Emergency warning signs that needs urgency medical care, includes:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Bluish discoloration of lips and tongue
  • Chest pain
  • Extreme vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Poor concentration
  • Extreme vomiting
  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • For infants and children, sign of dehydration is emergency 
In uncomplicated influenza, illness generally resolves over 2 to 5 days and almost patient recover completely in one week although cough may persist 1 to 2 weeks longer. Individual who recovering from uncomplicated influenza may experience pulmonary function abnormalities for several weeks.  

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