Epidemiology Paper
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Epidemiology Paper Influenza or simply flu is one of the most devastating communicable diseases. This is because it is transmitted through the air we breathe. This simply means that being in the company of a mammal or bird that is infected is more than good enough reason for one to get infected (Naff, 2011). Influenza is caused by an influenza virus which can be of one of three types. Type A and B results to a high degree of infections. These two types are responsible for severe respiratory infections and in some cases death. Influenza virus type C on the other hand does not lead to severe respiratory infection and only causes minimal respiratory infections with little or no symptoms at all. The influenza virus is capable of modifying itself once in the body of the host. This occurs through mutation whereby vaccinations and treatment develop antibodies that go against the virus. Naff (2011) explains that this causes the virus to adjust for its survival and as a result develop into a new form that the antibodies do not see as harmful. The virus therefore has the capability of infecting a host at any time. However, it is possible for initial antibodies to recognize the mutated virus as a harmful component thereby limiting the degree of infection. In the epidemic involving the H1N1 virus in 2009, very few individuals had antibodies that could fight the virus. The flu has a number of symptoms which are muscle pains, running nose, headaches, fever that does not respond to antibiotics and consistent sour throat and coughing. In children the virus may cause additional symptoms such as diarrhea and excessive vomiting. Influenza virus is transmitted from one host to another mainly through coughing and sneezing. A host can also be infected by coming into contact with infected areas and then touching their mouth and noses. This may include things like waste from an infected host such and other forms of secretions such as mucus and sweat. A host can infect others after only 24 hrs of acquiring the virus and up to one week after developing the symptoms. After entering into the body of the host the virus takes a minimum of two days before showing any symptoms implying that an infected individual can transmit the virus even without first developing any symptoms. The influenza virus has a number of complications especially to the high risk individuals. These high risk individuals include pregnant women, infants and individuals above 60 years of age. In most cases the infections from this form of virus only affect the respiratory system. In some instances the virus can spread to other parts of the body thereby causing some compilations. These complications include heart problems such as heart attacks, the damage of the crucial parts of the brain and pneumonia. Though the above are the most serious and most common complications, there are other complication that rarely occurs such as the infection of the ear which is common among children and the difficulties in containing diseases such as diabetes and asthma. Since influenza is a viral disease there exist no direct medications. Therefore infected individuals are advised to take up a lot of liquids, spend a large amount of their time resting and avoid the drinking of alcohol. They are also advised to take up medicines that can help relieve the effects of the symptoms such as muscle pains. Influenza affected deaths accounts for about 38000 people in the United States with an estimated 200000 hospitalizations (Kastenbaum, 2003). This translates to about $10billion in medical expenses. Worldwide the number of influenza related deaths are believed to be hundreds thousands. This figure cannot be estimated with a high degree of accuracy due to incomplete records in various countries. Due to the fact that the disease is highly contagious, the virus quickly spreads in areas with same and supporting environment. The virus is highly supported by the winter environment which occurs between November and April in northern hemisphere and April to November in the southern hemisphere. The development of this disease is affected by a number of health determinants. First it is clear that the diseases is very common in the winter periods which implies that low temperatures ensures long survival of the influenza virus. This implies that individuals who spend a lot of time in cold environment have a very high risk of contracting the virus which leads to the development of the disease in the human body. Secondly, some individuals have genes that possess a degree of immunity which makes them less susceptible to this disease (Torrence, 2007). Individuals who exercise regularly and intensely have also been found to have high risk of contracting the virus. This is because while one is exercising the body uses up a lot of nutrients which leaves the body weak and also decreases the immune system for a short period of time before one takes a meal. This provides a perfect opportunity for the virus to enter into the body and cause the influenza disease. According to Torrence (2007) the disease is also more prevalent in males than in females. This is because male individuals can at times release high levels of testosterone which is known for negatively affecting the immune system. On the other hand females are known to have high levels of estrogen which positively affects the immune system. This is a clear indication that the virus can affect the body of a male more than it can affect that of a female. The epidemiologic triangle is a study that provides a clear understanding of the causes and the factors that facilitates the acquisition of the agents that cause a particular infection. As the name suggests this study is represented in a triangle that describes the agent, host and the facilitating environment on each of the edges (Ciancio & Mukerji, 2007). When it comes to the influenza disease, it is caused by an agent known as the influenza virus. The virus is mainly hosted by mammals and birds and this is mainly because the immune system in other creatures is higher than in birds and mammals and therefore cannot survive in such environments. In addition the virus can acquire different forms while in the body of the host. This implies that the virus can survive longer in the body of human and birds due to the failure of their immune system to quickly recognize the virus as a harmful agent. Finally, Ciancio & Mukerji (2007) suggests that the ability of cold blooded creatures to adjust their body temperature makes it difficult for the virus to survive in their bodies. The virus is therefore affects these hosts during the cold seasons as the virus moves in search of warm and stable environments provided by mammals and birds. With the virus being contagious and highly affecting the respiratory systems, the mere company of an infected individual is more than enough reason to infect other individuals. This means that an environment with an infected individual is a bleeding spot for this virus. Influenza disease spreads at a very high rate. Since individuals with persistent symptoms of the disease are expected to visit a health expert, a community nurse is well placed to identify such an outbreak (Crooks, 2009). First the nurse is expected to analyze the symptoms and with a large number of individuals having the same symptoms he should initiate action. This is done by informing other expert who will facilitate the vaccination and the possible treatment of the symptoms. It is at this point that the nurse will create awareness to members of the society. As documented by Crooks (2009) the vaccination and the public awareness campaign should then be followed by the collection of data that is aimed at identified those individuals that have a higher chance of developing complications. Special treatment will therefore be provided to those with complications and those who at high risk of developing complications. It is also important to carry out a follow up of a good number of patients to identify if the virus has mutated in any way something which could cause a pandemic. The community health expects therefore plays a huge role in the identification and the containment of the influenza virus. The Allen county flu task force in Indiana is fully committed to fighting of the influenza disease in the whole of the United States. The task force is providing the annual vaccination to various members of the society. It is providing information of the best forms of vaccination to children and adults. The force is also conducting awareness campaign to provide the best prevention measures to those who are at higher risks of contracting the virus. Finally the task force is educating residents on hygiene measures such as the important of covering ones mouth and nose when coughing. The avoiding of any interactions with infected persons or uninfected persons if one is infected.

References
Ciancio, A., & Mukerji, K. G. (2007). General concepts in integrated pest and disease management. Dordrecht: Netherland: Springer Verlag.
Crooks, V. A. (2009). Primary health care people, practice, place. Farnham, England: Ashgate.
Kastenbaum, R. (2003). Macmillan encyclopedia of death and dying. New York: Macmillan Reference USA.
Naff, C. F. (2011). Influenza. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
Torrence, P. F. (2007). Combating the threat of pandemic influenza: drug discovery approaches. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons.