What is the danger of the flu?
The term “influenza” comes from the French gripper (grasp, catch). The name very accurately reflects the nature of the disease, its suddenness and rapidity of onset, as well as the mode of transmission. It is very easy to get the flu: the virus can be transmitted in a confined space from the distance of up to 7 m! The virus is most commonly transmitted by airborne droplets, but it also persists on solid objects. The virus is particularly “hardy” in low temperatures and humidity, which explains the rapid spread of influenza during the cold season.
The influenza virus suppresses the body's immune responses, reducing all its defenses
During influenza epidemics, the morbidity with bacterial respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia) increases dramatically. In addition, influenza causes exacerbations of chronic diseases and aggravates their course.
The influenza itself is much more likely than other acute respiratory infections to cause dangerous complications, especially if not treated properly: pneumonia, otitis (inflammation of the middle ear), sometimes turning into meningitis (the most dangerous inflammation of the meninges of the brain), and damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Remember, you should keep a close eye on your condition during the flu and seek medical advice if you have any of the following symptoms:
Nasal congestion and headaches
If the nasal congestion and runny nose persists for more than two weeks and you experience a pressing headache, especially when bending forward, you may suspect sinusitis, which requires urgent treatment.
Painful swallowing
In a cold or influenza, an inflamed throat causes farting and minor discomfort, while a sore throat causes severe pain, making it difficult to swallow.
Persistent cough
If the cough persists for more than 2 or 3 weeks, this could mean bronchitis or pneumonia.
High temperature over 5 days
This may indicate a bacterial infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
In some cases, the influenza requires urgent medical attention
Signs of a critical condition in adults:
- Severe chest pain;
- Severe headache;
- Dyspnea;
- Dizziness;
- Mental confusion;
- Severe vomiting.
Signs of critical condition in children:
- Difficult or frequent breathing;
- Blue complexion;
- Decreased activity;
- Rash fever.
COMPLICATIONS OF INFLUENZA
The most dangerous and frequent complication of influenza is pneumonia caused by an attached bacterial infection, or secondary bacterial pneumonia. A combined form of infection (viral and bacterial) is less common. Patients with chronic heart and lung disease can get viral, or so-called primary influenza pneumonia. It develops rapidly and often leads to lethal outcome.
Influenza can also cause other respiratory diseases:
- Rhinitis: inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
- Sinusitis: inflammation of the mucous membrane of the sinuses.
- Otitis: inflammation of the middle ear that can lead to hearing loss.
- Bronchitis: inflammation of the bronchial mucous membrane, both acute and chronic.
Cardiovascular complications are more common in elderly people. Repeated influenza recurrences can lead to myocarditis and pericarditis (an inflammatory disease of the heart muscle that can lead to heart failure). Influenza can cause neurological complications: inflammation of brain tissue and meninges (encephalitis, meningitis, and meningoencephalitis). Nervous system complications usually occur at the peak of intoxication, most often in young children. They manifest as a severe general condition, severe headache, fainting, seizures, and are very dangerous.
As we have written before, influenza is often accompanied by exacerbations of chronic diseases, such as bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, kidney disease, and others.
Immunity to influenza
Let's say you've already had the flu and escaped complications safely: can you breathe a sigh of relief? The problem is that the influenza virus is capable of changing (mutating) very quickly to become unrecognizable to the immune system again. In as little as a year, in time for a new winter epidemic, it is possible to contract a new variant of the virus. But you don't have to get the influenza every year! There are now effective vaccines available that are tailored to the strains (types) of influenza virus that will be active next season. An annual vaccination with modern polymer-subunit vaccines provides reliable protection against influenza.
Influenza vaccines are tailored to the strains of the virus which will be active during the next season.