Influenza is a viral infection caused by four types of Influenza viruses: A, B, C and D. Viruses A and B cause epidemics at various times of the year. Type A can cause a pandemic and is the most common. Type C produces mild infections in humans, but not seasonal outbreaks, and type D affects livestock. We are once again in influenza season and two specialists from the Paitilla Hospital inform us about this disease and its effects on adults and children.
The influenza virus reproduces more in cold and dry climates, when people congregate in closed places, transmission is greater, and sun exposure and vitamin D levels are lower. “Of course, mass transportation, celebrations and large events or places with crowded people are perfect places for transmission,” says Dr. Bruno Hammerschlag, specialist in Internal Medicine, Critical Medicine and Pulmonology at Paitilla Hospital. Dr. Bella Bethel Guerra adds, “we must increase the frequency of hand washing, avoid touching our face, cover our mouth when coughing or sneezing and clean contact surfaces.”
Influenza is not the same as a cold, flu or catarrh
Confusing it or comparing it with other seasonal respiratory conditions tends to minimize its importance, especially when its symptoms and possible consequences are much more severe, especially when it produces pneumonia or cardiac or neurological complications. “In the US alone, almost 40,000 people die from influenza each year. Worldwide, there are about 3-5 million severe cases and between 350,000 and 650,000 deaths recorded annually.”
It usually presents respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, ears and head, cough, high fever, muscle and joint pain, often severe, weakness and general malaise, and in more severe cases, difficulty breathing and/or heart or brain disorders. , which can occur early.
Treating influenza at home and when to go to the hospital
Most patients can be treated at home, however “we must prevent the excessive use of antibiotics, corticosteroids and some antivirals, you should always consult with your doctor before taking medication. Let’s remember that this is a virus so antibiotics have no effect on it. Common decongestants for drying out the nose are usually “bread for today and hunger for tomorrow.” They clear the nose and remove the initial discomfort, but they dry out bronchial mucus and phlegm and increase the risk of complications induced by our own bacteria. The same risk factors for complicated COVID-19 are the same for Influenza,” Dr. Hammerschlag emphasizes.
For people at increased risk due to pre-existing conditions, the use of specific antivirals against influenza viruses, especially for type A, after diagnosing it in the first days through a nasal swab, is very effective. “Difficulty breathing, sustained or increasing fever for more than four days, and inability to hydrate or eat properly are reasons to go to the hospital. If we have risk factors or live with people who have them, whenever we have symptoms suggestive of a cold, we should swab ourselves for COVID-19 and Influenza.”
“We must pay special attention to children under 5 years old and especially those under 12 months old, pregnant women, people over 65 years old especially with chronic diseases (heart, lung, liver, kidney, cancer, poorly controlled diabetes), people with obesity, smokers, people with weakened immune systems or immunosuppressed, they run a higher risk of complications and death and must receive specific treatment” explains Dr. Bella Bethel Guerra, Neonatologist Pediatrician at Paitilla Hospital.
Getting vaccinated against influenza
“The key to preventing it is to get vaccinated annually from 6 months of age” according to Dr. Guerra. The vaccine changes every year because the strains that produce the seasonal epidemic usually mutate annually. All vaccines can produce local and systemic reactions that are usually mild. “Very soon, we will have COVID-19 and influenza vaccines available together, which will increase protection against both infections and improve coverage” concluded Dr. Hammerschlag.
There are some exceptions, such as patients with severe allergies who could be affected by the vaccine, if they have shown allergic reactions to the vaccine in the past, or if their immune system is compromised. To determine this, we recommend consulting with your doctor.
Influenza and the little ones in the house
The initial symptoms can be very similar to a common cold, but the big difference is that in these the symptoms are mild and appear slowly while in the flu or influenza the symptoms appear quickly. “In addition to the changes already mentioned, children may experience symptoms such as pain in the extremities, vomiting and diarrhea, which increases the risk of dehydration,” adds Dr. Guerra.
A child should be taken to the emergency room if he or she has a fever that is difficult to control, difficulty breathing, chest pain, vomiting that does not stop, inability to stay hydrated, constant dizziness, seizures, bluish or very pale lips or nails, stops urinating, or severe pain in the lower extremities.
“Special emphasis is placed on monitoring children under 1 year of age since complications of influenza are more common and there is a latent risk of dying from influenza if they develop a serious condition,” emphasized Dr. Guerra.
Source: Paitilla Hospital
