Summary about Disease
. I will choose Influenza (Flu) as the disease for this example. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of the flu include:
Fever or feeling feverish/chills (though not everyone with the flu will have a fever)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Causes
The flu is caused by influenza viruses. These viruses spread mainly through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.
Medicine Used
4. Medicine used
Antiviral drugs: These medications (e.g., oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), and peramivir (Rapivab)) can shorten the duration of illness and lessen symptoms. They are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Over-the-counter medications: Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen), decongestants, and cough suppressants can help relieve symptoms, but they do not treat the virus itself.
Is Communicable
Yes, the flu is highly communicable. It is contagious from about 1 day before symptoms develop to about 5-7 days after becoming sick. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer.
Precautions
Get vaccinated: The annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent infection.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face: Try not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your cough and sneeze: Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and then dispose of the tissue properly.
Stay home when sick: If you are sick, stay home from work, school, and other public places to prevent spreading the virus.
Avoid close contact: Limit close contact with people who are sick.
How long does an outbreak last?
A typical flu season in the Northern Hemisphere runs from late fall to early spring (October to May). Individual outbreaks within a community can last several weeks. The duration of an outbreak is influenced by factors like vaccination rates and public health measures.
How is it diagnosed?
Clinical evaluation: A doctor can often diagnose the flu based on your symptoms.
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs): These tests can detect influenza viruses in respiratory specimens (e.g., nasal swab or throat swab). They provide results quickly (within 30 minutes), but can have a higher rate of false negatives than other tests.
Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR): This is a more sensitive test that can identify specific influenza virus types and subtypes. It is typically performed in a laboratory and takes longer to get results.
Timeline of Symptoms
9. Timeline of symptoms
Day 1-3: Symptoms usually appear suddenly. Common symptoms include fever, body aches, fatigue, and sore throat.
Day 4-5: Fever may subside, but cough and nasal congestion may become more prominent.
Day 6-7: Most symptoms begin to improve. Fatigue may linger for a week or more.
Complications: Some people may develop complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or sinus infections. These complications may prolong the illness.
Important Considerations
The flu can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease).
Complications from the flu can be serious and may require hospitalization.
Even if you are generally healthy, getting the flu vaccine can help protect you and those around you.
If you are at high risk for complications, talk to your doctor about antiviral medications if you develop flu symptoms.