Influenza
What is it?
- Influenza - or flu - is a virus, which can infect the respiratory tract (the airway).
- Most flu in the UK is caused by the Influenza A virus, however there are many sub-types and these are constantly evolving, therefore immunity rarely lasts for long.
- Tends to be seasonal - infections peak between December and March in the UK.
How does it spread?
- Flu mostly spreads in the home from an ill person's saliva or mucus that escapes when they cough or sneeze.
- Droplets from this saliva or mucus can be breathed in and infect people standing near by, or they may settle on surrounding surfaces to be picked up by someone else later.
- Ill people can leave behind infectious nasal fluids on surfaces, tissues, fabrics either directly or pass them on via their hands.
- Other people can become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and by putting their hands to their eyes, nose or mouth.
Who is at risk?
- Anyone can be infected with flu, but the young, the elderly and others with reduced immunity are more likely to catch it.
Symptoms
- Sudden fever, aching limbs and fatigue, sore throat, cough and headache.
- They may also have a runny nose, eye pain and be sensitive to light.
- Those with reduced immunity are more at risk. This can lead to bronchitis or bacterial pneumonia which may require hospital treatment and, on occasions, can be
life-threatening .
Prevent the spread
- Ill people should practise good cough and sneeze hygiene, covering their mouth when they do so and washing their hands frequently.
- People should avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth when 'flu is around, and wash their hands beforehand if they have to do so.
- You can help prevent the spread of the virus by regularly disinfecting the surfaces that people come into contact with.
- An ill person should not share towels, face cloths etc with others. They should particularly avoid contact with those who may be more vulnerable to infection such as the elderly and pregnant women.
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Cloths and sponges should be soaked in a solution of dilute bleach overnight and
dried thoroughly.
