Influenza
Public Announcement
Introduction
I am researching influenza. Influenza is an airborne disease that affects the brain and respiratory system.
Types of Influenza
There are 3 types of Influenza. The first type is Influenza A, which is the most common and severe type, is responsible for most outbreaks. There also is Influenza B, which in the past has been less severe, but is emerging with worsening symptoms. Last, Influenza C is a rare, mild type of influenza.
How it is Caused/ Transmitted
Influenza A is caused by a number of many always mutating strains. It is spread by the virus entering you blood steam, by either eyes, mouth, lungs, or wounds.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of Ifluenza are, a fever over 100 deegres, aching muscles in neck and back, a headache, a dry cough, fatigue, a sore throat, and conjestion in your sinuses.
Complications and Pepoale at High Risk of Contracting Them
If you are over 65, younger than 5, Pregnant, have Asthma, have a weakened immune system, or an American or Alaskan Native, you are at a higher risk to develop complications. Complications include Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Asthma flares, sinus infections, or ear infections.
Factors that Raise Your Risk of Getting Influenza
Some risk factors include, if you are under 5 or over 65, your occupation, your living conditions, where you live, if you don't get vaccinated, and if you have a weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, Anti-rejection drugs, etc.).
Treatment and Prevention
Medicine to treat Influenza include Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. You also need rest, a lot of liquid, and pain killers. How to prevent getting influenza to prevent getting influenza takes 3 steps. One, get vaccinated. Two, avoid large thick crowds if possible. Three, stay home if you are sick.
Facts about Influenza and the U.S.A.
Here are some intresting facts about Influenza A and the USA, like how Kansas was supposedly to blame for the Influenza A Pandemic of 1918-1919. Also, because the virus mutates so much, the CDC creates a new vacine each year. Influenza A is more common in urban and thickly populated areas and builings. The CDC also tracks every case in the USA!
2014 Influenza News in the USA
In 2014 54% of children (under 18) were vaccinated and 42.2% of adults (over 18) were vaccinated. Also 144.5 million dosses of the vaccine were given in total. Sadly, a common strain mutated (H3N2), and the CDC is not going to make a new vaccine this season because it would be done to late.