Influenza

Everyone must have suffered from influenza. Flu is sometimes considered trivial because it can be cured without treatment (self-limiting disease), but it can cause quite serious complications if those affected are vulnerable groups such as babies, toddlers, the elderly or people with low immunity.

Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system, namely the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza viruses are easily transmitted through droplets or saliva from flu sufferers who cough or sneeze and are accidentally inhaled by other people. Flu transmission can also occur through hands touching the mouth, nose or eyes after handling items contaminated with droplets from flu sufferers.

There are 4 types of influenza viruses, namely types A, B, C and D.

• Influenza A viruses are classified into subtypes based on the combination of proteins on the surface of the virus. Currently circulating are influenza viruses subtypes A(H1N1) and A(H3N2). A(H1N1) is also written as A(H1N1)pdm09 because it caused a pandemic in 2009 and replaced the previous A(H1N1) virus that had been circulating before 2009. Only type A influenza viruses are known to cause pandemics.
• Influenza B viruses are not classified into subtypes but can be broken down into lineages. Type B influenza viruses belong to the B/Yamagata or B/Victoria lineages. Influenza B viruses generally cause more local outbreaks and are usually milder than influenza A.
• Influenza C viruses are detected less frequently and usually cause mild infections, so they do not have a negative impact on public health.

Influenza Symptoms

Influenza symptoms usually begin about 2 days after contracting the virus. Symptoms include:

• Fever that appears suddenly
• Cough (usually dry) that can last for 2 weeks
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Sore throat
• Freezing
• Fatigue and feeling weak

Influenza Treatment

Usually influenza sufferers will recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring treatment. However, influenza can cause serious complications, especially in people at high risk. Influenza can also worsen the symptoms of other chronic illnesses. In severe cases, influenza can cause pneumonia and sepsis.

Treatment that can be done is:

a. Enough rest

b. Monitor body temperature, especially in infants and children

c. Give medicines according to complaints such as fever-reducing medicines, cough and cold medicines if available

d. Fill up on fluids to avoid dehydration. Especially for pediatric patients, make sure the child stays hydrated with breast milk, formula milk, or water.

e. If necessary, administer antiviral medication which can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if given within the first 48 hours.

Prevention of Influenza Infection

Even though influenza is a disease that can heal on its own, prevention is better, especially for vulnerable groups. What you can do to prevent contracting influenza is:

A. Vaccination

Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications and those caring for them. Vaccination is recommended for pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, people over 65 years old, people with chronic medical conditions, and health care workers.

B. Avoid contact with sufferers

C. Wear a mask

Using a mask can not only prevent transmission to other people, but can also protect us from being infected by flu sufferers.

D. Wash your hands

Washing your hands with soap and water can reduce the risk of infection.

E. Avoid Touching Your Face

This needs to be done to prevent the spread of the virus to the eyes, nose and mouth, especially if the hands are contaminated with droplets from flu sufferers.

F. Exercise regularly.

If you experience influenza complaints, immediately consult a doctor via online consultation or at the nearest health facility.