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What is Influenza?

Influenza or more commonly known as flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza viruses. It is typically spread through small airborne droplets when an individual sneezes, coughs or talks. It can also be spread indirectly when an individual touches a surface infected with the influenza virus and then touches his/her mouth or nose¹.

Influenza is caused by 3 types of influenza viruses, namely types A, B, and C. Influenza A and B viruses are accountable for seasonal outbreaks and disease epidemics. In contrast, influenza C viruses are detected less commonly and generally causes mild infections and thus is of lesser public health importance¹.

Signs and Symptoms

Influenza may cause mild to severe illness and may lead to death in serious cases.  Symptoms tend to start with a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, lethargy, muscle aches, sore throat, and cough. Not all individuals with influenza have a fever¹.

1. Clinical Management Treatment

Influenza is often self-limiting. Symptomatic relief medications can be taken such as antihistamines for runny nose, paracetamol/ibuprofen for headache and muscle aches, and cough suppressants and mucolytics for dry and wet cough respectively. Individuals should keep themselves hydrated and refrain from strenuous physical activities until complete recovery.

Nevertheless, vulnerable individuals such as young children, immunocompromised individuals and elderly are often at higher risk for more severe symptoms and should promptly seek medical attention. Antiviral medications can reduce virus replication and should be administered within the first 2 days of the disease for effective treatment².

2. Prevention

The mainstay of influenza management lies in prevention. This is most effectively done through annual influenza vaccination. Each year, the composition of the influenza vaccine will differ according to WHO’s recommendation as influenza viruses mutate constantly. Immunity built against one variant might not be applicable to other variants.

Individuals who are at risk of serious complications such as those 65 and older, young children under the age of 5 and people with certain chronic conditions² are advised to get vaccinated annually before the onset of the flu season as it will take at least 2 weeks after vaccination for the protection to develop. In Singapore, the Northern Hemisphere flu season typically spans between November and February while the Southern Hemisphere season is from May to July². 

Hygienic Measures

Individuals should adopt good self-hygiene, foster good healthy habits and lifestyle, and demonstrate social responsibility. These include washing hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, before touching your eyes, nose, and mouth and after going to the washroom. Additionally, it’s advisable to wear a mask and/or consult a doctor when experiencing illness symptoms.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others against Influenza, visit https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/protect_yourself_others_against_flu

Reference:

¹https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)

²https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/topics_influenza#:~:text=In%20Singapore%2C%20the%20Northern%20Hemisphere,most%20common%20for%20that%20season