Influenza Prophylaxis

Influenza General Information

Influenza is the generic medical term used to define a viral infection of the respiratory system; almost any part of the patient’s respiratory tract may be affected – the lungs, the bronchial tubes, throat or nose. While it is commonly called “flu”, this affection is different than the gastric viral infections (gastric flu) that are manifested through vomiting and diarrhea. This infection is very common throughout the world, and individuals of any age and sex may become infected. It is more common in patients who have a weak immune system, either caused by medical conditions, or by age – children and elderly patients have a higher chance of developing this affection.

Influenza is transmitted through the air, from infected humans or mammals. The virus is expelled in the surrounding environment through sneezing and coughing. Birds can also spread the infection through their droppings. Nasal secretions, saliva, blood and feces can also carry the virus, and may infect a healthy individual with whom they come in contact. The viruses causing the infection remain infectious for more time when the temperature of the environment is lower – for example, the virus remains infectious for about one week at body temperature, and the period extends to 30 days at 0 degrees Celsius.

Influenza Prophylaxis

The first and most important element in Influenza Prophylaxis is getting the annual vaccine. Typically, the best period to get the vaccine would be in October or November (in the Northern Hemisphere), so that the body is able to produce the specific antibodies before the peak of the flu season, which starts in December and lasts until March. While the vaccine is not 100% effective (its effectiveness may range from 70% to 90% in healthy children and lower for adults), it still provides a reduction in the risk of being infected. In most cases, the vaccine is recommended to individuals of all ages, as apart from reducing the risk of infection, it also may reduce the risk of complications, and thus leading to a lower number of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

An alternative to the flu shot is the FluMist nasal spray. This is a variation of the flu vaccine, with the same effectiveness against the virus. However, due to its nature, the nasal spray is not recommended for pregnant women, children under the age of 2 and patients who suffer from chronic diseases or who have a weakened immune system. Patients suffering from asthma or recurrent wheezing should also avoid using the nasal spray, as it may cause an aggravation of the symptoms.

As with most infections, proper hygiene plays a major role in Influenza Prophylaxis. Thoroughly washing your hands may often reduce the risk of infection; any soap or alcohol-based cleansing product is also appropriate for this purpose. By washing your hands thoroughly any viruses or bacteria that may have gotten on the hands from an infected surface are swept away, preventing them from further replicating and invading the organism. Limiting air travel before and during the peak flu season may reduce the risk of infection. Also, as part of Influenza Prophylaxis, it is highly recommended that you avoid crowds during the same period, as the virus is easily spread from one individual to another.

Influenza Treatment

In most cases of Influenza, no treatment is necessary apart from rest and drinking large quantities of fluids. However, more severe cases may require medication treatment. In such situations, the examining health care specialist may prescribe Oseltamivir or Zanamivir in order to treat the infection. These drugs have a strong positive effect, and act mainly by deactivating an enzyme that is essential for the virus’ growth and spreading. Zanamivir is a medicine that comes under the form of nasal spray, and thus may be contraindicated to patients that suffer from asthma or other respiratory affections, but Oseltamivir is available under the form of pills and thus may be prescribed in any situation. However, both of these medications may cause various side effects. Lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, breathing problems and loss of appetite have been reported in several cases, so the prescribing health care professional should weigh the risks and benefits of the treatment before deciding upon the treatment plan.

Apart from the above mentioned drugs, treatment for influenza A may also consist of other drugs, such as Amantadine or Rimantadine – however recent studies have shown an increase of the virus’ resistance to these drugs. Nevertheless, the prescribing health care professional should advise the individual to start a treatment with these medications, and in case the infection does not subside, change the treatment plan to at a later date.