Flu ( Influenza ) Doctor Near Me Seasonal influenza or flu is an acute respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. It is usually a self – limited infection; however it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in certain high risk groups like children less than 5 years of age, adults more than 65 years of age, pregnant females or those who are immunocompromised. The primary means of influenza virus transmission is direct person to person respiratory transmission which occurs via close range contact. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, virus within respiratory secretions can infect another person if it is inhaled or if it contacts the mucous membranes. The typical incubation period is one to four days. The viral shedding occurs at or just before the onset of symptoms, peaks at 24 to 48 hours of illness, and then rapidly declines, with little or no detectable virus after 5 to 10 days. Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (HA or H) and neuraminidase (NA or N). Influenza A virus subtypes that routinely circulate in humans include A (H1N1) and A (H3N2). As per ICMR, surveillance data from 15 th December, reflects the rise in number of cases of Influenza A (H3N2). This subtype appears to cause more hospitalizations than other influenza subtypes. The symptoms include abrupt onset of fever, nonproductive cough, and body pain. Other symptoms include malaise, sore throat, nausea, nasal congestion, and headache. There should be consultation with a specialist at the earliest to avoid complications like pneumonia and cardiac events. The preferred tool for diagnosis are RT-PCR assays. Hospitalization is warranted for patients with significant dehydration and for severely ill patients. For patients with known or suspected influenza, antiviral should be started under supervision of a specialist. The precautions to prevent influenza include washing hands with soap and water, wearing masks, covering mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, taking plenty of fluids, avoid touching eyes and nose. The use of antibiotic to treat influenza should be strongly discouraged. The vaccination against influenza should be done annually under advise of a specialist.