Influenza is a viral infection that affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi and, occasionally, lungs. Infection usually lasts for about a week and is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache, and severe malaise, non-productive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis. The virus is transmitted easily from person to person
via droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze. Influenza tends to spread rapidly in seasonal epidemics. Most infected people recover within one to two weeks without requiring medical treatment. However, in the very young, the elderly, and those with other serious medical conditions, infection can lead to severe complications of the underlying condition, pneumonia, and death. Key facts All age groups can be affected but there are
groups that are more at risk than others. In terms of transmission, seasonal influenza spreads easily, with rapid transmission in crowded areas including schools and nursing homes. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, droplets containing viruses (infectious droplets) are dispersed into the air and can spread up to one meter, and infect persons in close proximity who breathe
these droplets in. The virus can also be spread by hands contaminated with influenza viruses. To prevent transmission, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly. In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics occur mainly during winter, while in tropical regions, influenza may occur throughout the year, causing outbreaks more irregularly. The time from infection to illness, known as the incubation period, is about 2 days but
ranges from one to four days. Fact sheet What PAHO does The organization supports countries in the surveillance, prevention, preparedness, and control of pandemic & epidemic-prone diseases through the development of evidence-based strategies to predict, prevent, detect, and respond to infectious hazards. It also ensures regional surveillance functions related to these hazards. Major Action Lines:
Influenza, an Unpredictable ThreatBecause of the nature of the virus and its threat, the World Health Organization carries out global surveillance of this disease throughout the year, calling on thousands of scientists worldwide. Their exchange of scientific information and virus materials helps to determine which viruses will most probably represent the major threat during the next influenza season, and thus allows twice a year to decide about the composition of the next vaccines. Vaccination is the most effective intervention to reduce the mortality and morbidity of influenza, seasonal influenza epidemics and unpredictable next pandemic. To be prepared for the risk of a pandemic, which can hit anytime, concerted efforts from all public health professionals remain crucial to match the dimensions of such a global public health threat. Latest news
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22 Nov 2021 DocumentsCommunication MaterialsEpidemiological Updates and AlertsMandates and StrategiesEventsMore informationWhich of the following patient is at greatest risk for complications caused by influenza?The risks for influenza-related complications, hospitalizations, and deaths are high- est among adults ages 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, and people of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza.
Which of the following is bacteria resistant to most antibiotics and causes skin abscesses?An increasing number of people are being diagnosed with skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria). These resistant strains of staph are known as “MRSA” (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
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