Influenza Research Paper

Influenza has been around for a long time as early as 400 BC has been described. Influenza known as “the flu”, is an infectious disease caused by influenza virus. Generally, the virus spreads in the air through coughing or sneezing. When an infected person sneezes or coughs over 500,000 particles of virus can spread to nearby people. The flu can be spread in three main ways. The first is direct transmission. When the infected person sneezes directly into the nose or mouth of another person. The second is airborne route. When someone inhales an aerosol produced by an infected person who coughs, sneezes or spits. As well as hand-to-eye, hand-to-nose or hand-to-mouth transmission from contaminated surfaces or direct personal contact such as handshaking.

It is said to be the most devastating outbreak in world history. More people died of the flu in a single year than those who died in the four years of Black Plague from 1347 to 1351. In addition, it killed more people in 25 weeks than AIDS killed in 25 years. The 1918-1919 flu also known as "Spanish flu" was a global catastrophe. Epidemics become unmanageable at alarming speeds because people might not use proper treatment, lack of herd immunity. In one droplet, there is about 100,000 – 1,000,000 virus particles. Moreover, symptomatic people don’t stay at home. Flu has really short incubation period usually is about 1-4 days and can be explored quickly. Flu is mainly treated by rest and drinking plenty of water, so that the body can resist infection by immune system. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory painkiller may help ease the muscle aches. Furthermore, washing hands frequently can reduce the risk of virus transmission. Wearing surgical masks are also useful. Seasonal vaccines are the most effective way to prevent influenza. Besides that, antiviral drugs such as M2 inhibitors and NA inhibitors are available for treatment

These percentages may be quite high in some specific geographic regions or age groups, especially when novel influenza viruses encounter people who lack sufficient immune responses. During the annual influenza epidemic, life loss and economic loss are considerable, and may be even greater during the global outbreak of a new strain (pandemic). Epidemics can also cause public anxiety, leading to interruptions in daily life. In addition to the impact on human health, the outbreak of the flu virus can also cause considerable losses to the poultry