Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences

A Narrative Review of Influenza: A Seasonal and Pandemic Disease

Document Type : Review Article

Author

Mohsen Moghadami

Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz Iran

https://doi.org/10.30476/ijms.2016.40409
Abstract
Influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza A or B virus. It often occurs in outbreaks and epidemics worldwide, mainly during the winter season. Significant numbers of influenza virus particles are present in the respiratory secretions of infected persons, so infection can be transmitted by sneezing and coughing via large particle droplets. The mean duration of influenza virus shedding in immunocompetent adult patients is around 5 days but may continue for up to 10 days or more—particularly in children, elderly adults, patients with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised hosts. Influenza typically begins with the abrupt onset of high-grade fever, myalgia, headache, and malaise. These manifestations are accompanied by symptoms of respiratory tract illnesses such as nonproductive cough, sore throat, and nasal discharge. After a typical course, influenza can affect other organs such as the lungs, brain, and heart more than it can affect the respiratory tract and cause hospitalization.The best way to prevent influenza is to administer annual vaccinations. Among severely ill patients, an early commencement of antiviral treatment (

Keywords

Influenza
Human
Respiratory system
Vaccination
Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume 42, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
83
January 2017
Pages 2-13


  • Received 04 March 2016
  • Revised 16 May 2022
  • Accepted 24 December 2018

Home

Guide for Authors

Submit Manuscript

Guide for Reviewers

Forms

News

Contact Us

FAQ

Suggestion and Complain