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Theme 8
INFLUENZA AND OTHER INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Infectious disease is understood in medicine as a process caused
by microorganisms impairing a person’s health. An infection is the
invasion of and replication in the body various microbial agents.
Influenza, more commonly known as flu, is a viral infection that's
most common during the winter months and can cause fever, headache,
cough, sore throat and muscle aches - as well as more dangerous
complications. It occurs when people breathe in liquid droplets
containing the influenza virus that has been sneezed or coughed into the
air, or when people touch objects contaminated with the virus. Influenza
viruses cause the flu and are divided into three types, designated A, B,
and C. Most people who get the flu recover completely in one or two
weeks, but some people develop serious and potentially life-threatening
medical complications which can occur at any age.
Influenza is different from the common cold, in which the
symptoms tend to come on gradually, usually affecting only the nose.
Cold is characterized by a “running nose”, coughing, and sneezing.
The illness may be accompanied by laryngitis or bronchitis, and may
predispose to bacterial infections of the ear, particularly in children
(“otitis media”). Cold weather does not “cause” colds but infected
people do.
An influenza vaccine is not 100% effective and it must be re-
administered every year to maximize protection. The best way to avoid
flu or cold is to keep your immune system strong by eating a healthy
diet, taking regular exercise, getting enough rest and relaxation and
avoid smoking. If it is possible, you should stay away from people who
are coughing and sneezing. Antibiotics are of no use in treating the flu.
Anti-viral medication is usually prescribed by a GP for some people of
risk groups. It is to be taken early to stop the virus multiplying, and may
only reduce the symptoms rather than treating the infection.
Germs called viruses and bacteria can cause different diseases e.g.
meningitis, scarlet fever and others. Inflammation of the meninges, the
membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, is known as
meningitis. While viral infection causes a relatively mild illness,
bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening condition that demands
immediate antibiotics treatment.