Influenza: An Introduction
Each winter, millions of people suffer from influenza, which is a highly contagious infection. Influenza spreads easily from person to person, mainly when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs cause influenza, which is also known as the flu. Influenza is usually a mild disease in healthy children, young adults, and middle-aged people. However, influenza can be life threatening in older adults and in people of any age who have chronic illnesses, such as
diabetes or heart, lung, or kidney diseases.
Influenza is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of influenza viruses. Influenza differs in several ways from the
common cold, which is a respiratory infection that is also caused by viruses. For example, people with colds rarely get fevers,
headaches, or suffer from the extreme exhaustion that influenza viruses can cause.
Influenza outbreaks usually begin suddenly and occur mainly in the late fall and winter. Influenza then spreads through communities, creating an epidemic. During the epidemic, the number of cases peaks in about 3 weeks and subsides after another 3 or 4 weeks. Half the population of a community may be affected. Schools are an excellent place for influenza viruses to attack and spread. Therefore, families with school-age children have more infections than other families, with an average of one-third of the family members becoming infected each year.
Complications of Influenza
Besides the rapid start of the outbreaks and the large numbers of people affected, influenza is an important disease because it can cause serious complications. Most people who get influenza get better within a week, although they may have a lingering cough and tire easily for a while longer. However, for elderly people, newborn babies, and people with certain chronic illnesses, influenza and its complications can be life threatening.
Transmission of Influenza
You can get influenza if someone around you who has the disease coughs or sneezes. You can also get influenza simply by touching a surface, like a telephone or doorknob, that has been contaminated by someone who has influenza. The viruses can pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth, or if you've touched a contaminated surface, they can pass from your hand to your nose or mouth. You are at greatest risk of getting infected in highly populated areas, such as in crowded living conditions and in schools.
Current Statistics About Influenza
It is estimated that 10 percent to 20 percent of Americans come down with influenza during each influenza season, which typically lasts from November to March. Children are 2 to 3 times more likely than adults to get sick with influenza, and they frequently spread the virus to others. Although most people recover from the illness, it is estimated that in the United States more than 100,000 people are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die from influenza and its complications every year.
Key information about influenza is as follows:
- Influenza can be dangerous for people who are 65 years of age and older
- Influenza can be prevented
- An influenza shot is necessary each fall for people in high-risk groups
- The influenza shot is covered by Medicare
- The influenza shot is safe and it cannot cause the disease
- The influenza shot and the pneumococcal vaccine can be given at the same time.
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