Influenza is a virus that belongs to the genus Orthomyxovirus. It belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae.It consist of 3 species, A, B and C. Influenza virus is a negative, single stranded RNA virus. These viruses cause influenza also known as flu. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that is marked by fever, chills, body aches and fatigue. It causes seasonal epidemics mostly during winter and sometimes it can be pandemic. Type C causes less severe flu compared to flu caused by type A and B.
MODES OF TRANSMISSION
Influenza spreads by tiny droplets. The droplets are spread when people with a flu talk, cough or sneeze. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2017, para.4), people with flu can spread …show more content…
Some people however develop life threatening conditions like pneumonia. There are no medication to cure flu but there are medications to relieve the influenza symptoms. Antiviral drugs are used to reduce the severity of the symptoms. There are four types of the antiviral drugs for influenza. Examples of antivirals are zanamivir and oseltamivir which work well against type A and type B influenza. Other antivirals, Amantadine and rimantadine, work well only in type A influenza virus.Some people do not take antivirals but instead rest to give their body strength to fight the virus. There are also some home remedies for example herbal teas, raw garlic, ginger drinks and many more. Getting vaccinated before flu season starts is the best way for …show more content…
If you get a flu, it is advisable to stay in your home and keep away from crowded areas to prevent spreading the flu to others. Hand hygiene is a good way of preventing the spread of Influenza. Covering your cough is another good way of preventing the spread of influenza through droplets. Eating healthy and getting enough sleep plays a part in preventing the flu as it help boost your immune system. According to Wiley (Nursing 2016, October, pg. 58-60) nurses have a duty to keep the patient safe from avoidable complications. It is the nurse’s duty to get vaccinated to avoid spreading the disease to the