Influenza or flu is a disease that attacks the respiratory tract (lungs) and can be contagious. Influenza is different from the common cold, and often cause more severe disease due to cause lung infections and also high heat. Transmission of influenza viruses in general can be through the flu patients , when they cough, sneeze or when speaking.

Common method of transmission of the virus are:

1) Directly (cough / sneeze in front of others)

2) Over the air (the virus can survive in the air after someone cough / sneeze and then inhaled by the others)

3) From hand to face (the virus can survive 1-2 days on contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, telephones, etc..)

The virus can be passed one day before and continued for 5-7 days after symptoms arise. Children can transmit the virus for longer, up to 2 weeks.

Common symptoms of flu can occur suddenly 1-2 days after infection, including fever and chills, headache, sore throat, cough, joint pain and fatigue. In certain cases, symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal pain (most common in children, not adults). People who are infected with influenza requires rest for a few days, and generally requires 1-2 weeks total recovery.

There are various types and kinds of influenza because the virus mutates rapidly. Lately  media has been discussing two types of flu that has become a pandemic, the ‘pig’ flu (H1N1) and ‘bird’ influenza (H5N1). Both flu pandemic could caused fatal consequences if not treated quickly. Just like ordinary flu, swine flu can be transmitted from one human to another human being. Currently, the risk of transmission of bird flu is higher if you have any contact with birds or bird products, including uncooked meat. It is advisable to wash hands before and after handling food, chicken meat and better not to eat raw meat or eggs.

The best way to prevent influenza is with seasonal flu vaccination, as well as living a hygienic lifestyle. Because flu viruses are always changing, so every year it provides a new vaccine that is given in the form of injections. Although vaccination was still enables transmission of the flu, but the risk is lower. Knowing the importance of protecting yourself from influenza virus, companies encourages employees and their families to obtain free vaccines which available at the company clinic or hospital when a new flu vaccination is available again in Indonesia in March / April 2011. Also, practicing a good hygiene attitude by always covering a cough / sneeze with a tissue or sleeve (do not use hands), always wash hands and rest at home if you have the flu.

Annual vaccination aimed to prevent spreading of flu and it is important to people who are weak from flu complications, mostly children and people with low immunity levels. It is important to provide vaccination to persons at high risk for flu complications, such as children, adults over 65 years; people with chronic disease (diabetes, asthma, emphysema, etc..); Smokers, pregnant women and health workers. Need to be aware that the vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to the flu vaccine or vaccine component; people who are allergic to eggs and children younger than six months.

Side effects that may arise after someone get the flu vaccine include pain, swelling and a red rash at the injection site. It’s nothing to worry because it will heal by itself after one or two days. Other effects that may arise are fever, fatigue and muscle pain. Side effects that are rare but very serious, such as shortness of breath, swollen face and that the allergy as well as life-threatening.

 

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