Let’s get to know this common infection a little more closely, which causes thousands of deaths, directly or indirectly, through Pandemics every 10 years and Epidemics and Endemics every 3-4 years.
It is transmitted by inhalation of aerosols (airborne droplets) containing small virus particles, often in winter (December – April), which is also called the Influenza (Flu) season. Usually, endemics occur in barracks, schools, public transport vehicles, cinemas, etc. in crowded environments.
The disease starts suddenly, fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, weakness, loss of appetite, shivering, sweating and runny nose are seen. Irritability and loss of appetite last up to 1 week, other complaints are usually 2-3 days. Fever is 38-38.5 in the first 2 days. It is between C and rarely exceeds 39 C. In this process, the disease heals spontaneously, but sometimes it turns into more severe forms called complications. This happens due to the weakening of immunity caused by the disease and the addition of other microbes. The most common is sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, Pneumonia is seen. Unfortunately, more severe and fatal conditions are also seen in the elderly and in people with weakened immunity for various reasons, and in newborns. 80-90% of deaths are over 65 years old and occur as a result of exacerbation of existing heart-lung diseases.
Diagnosis is usually made with epidemiological and clinical information from the patient (85% correct), Definitive diagnosis is made with laboratory tests in blood (such as rapid antigen test, antibody test…)
It can be confused with the common cold and allergic rhinitis. Fever is rare in the case of a cold or flu, while it is absent in allergic rhinitis, stuffy nose and sneezing are common in both conditions. The most characteristic symptoms of influenza are severe weakness, fatigue, chest distress, muscle pains and fever.
As for the treatment, it consists of bed rest, fluid intake, painkillers-fever reducers, drugs that relieve nasal congestion, cough relievers and antivirals.
The most effective way of prevention is vaccination. Virus vaccines with reduced viability are used. Due to frequent antigenic changes, a new vaccine prepared from the dominant antigens in the previous winter epidemic is prepared.
The efficacy of vaccines is as follows: It reduces 70-90% flu-related hospitalizations and pulmonary complications by 50-60%. It reduces the mortality rate in hospitalized patients by 80%. It reduces doctor visits by 40%, workday losses by 40%, and antibiotic use by 25%.
Vaccine administration; It can be easily applied to people over 6 months of age. It is administered intramuscularly. It is applied to the anterior outer region of the arm in adults and the anterior outer region of the infants. The vaccine should be administered between October and mid-November every year.
Who should be given the vaccine?
1- Risk groups for infection-related complications (over 65 years of age, people with chronic diseases staying in nursing homes and nursing homes, adults and children with chronic diseases of the lung and cardiovascular system, chronic metabolic disease (Diabetes), immunosuppression in the previous year adults and children who are regularly monitored or hospitalized, children aged 6 months to 18 years who must take aspirin, women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season,
2-Groups that can transmit influenza to high-risk people (Healthcare workers / doctors, nurses / nursing homes and staff working in nursing homes where people with chronic diseases stay, households where high-risk people live,
The most appropriate vaccination time: October-November. Risky people can be vaccinated in October, other groups in November. It can also be applied after December. Vaccination is recommended for healthy children between 6-23 months. As for the side effects of flu vaccines, pain at the application site, systemic reactions (fever, weakness) , muscle pain), allergic reactions (very rare), not applicable to people with sensitivity to eggs.
