...Epidemiology of Influenza Bethany Baird Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V September 19, 2014 Epidemiology of Influenza Influenza is an illness that is seen and addressed on a yearly basis. Each year, come fall, individuals line up a their local clinic or physician’s office to acquire the influenza vaccine in an attempt to ward off the seasonal virus known as the flu. “The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs (American Lung Association, n.d.).” There are 3 main strains of the seasonal influenza virus that break off into further subcategories. This virus can affect people of all ages and demographics. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, the flu affects over 60 million people every year in the United States alone . While during “flu season” there are a number of illnesses that are prevalent, influenza has identifiable signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms associated with the flu are often very recognizable but also may vary in their severity. One of the most prominent symptoms is a sudden onset of fever and feverish chills accompanied by body and joint aches. This could be referred to as the “cardinal sign” of the flu (American Lung Association, n.d.). Other symptoms include cough, sore throat, headaches, and runny nose. These symptoms can be associated with the common cold, however, when coupled with fever and body aches, there is...
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...Epidemiology by definition is the study of the distribution and patterns of health-events, health- characteristics and their causes or influences in well-defined populations. It is the cornerstone method of public health research, and helps inform policy decisions and evidence-based by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive medicine. Epidemiologists are involved in the design of studies, collection and statistical analysis of data, and interpretation and dissemination of results (including peer review and occasional systematic review).Major areas of epidemiological study include outbreak investigation, disease surveillance and biomonitoring, and comparisons of treatment effects such as in clinical trials. Epidemiologists rely on a number of other scientific disciplines such as biology (to better understand disease processes), biostatistics (to make efficient use of the data and draw appropriate conclusions), and exposure assessment and social science disciplines (to better understand proximate and distal risk factors, and their measurement). I would like to discuss elderly patients as my vulnerable population. There is no set age at which a person maybe under the care of a geriatric physician. The physician aims to promote health by preventing disease and disabilities in geriatric adults. A gerontologist specializes in the aging process. Adult medicine differs from the geriatric patient because the focus is on the elderly...
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...• ^ International Committee on onomy of Viruses. "The Universal Virus Database, version 4: Influenza A". http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ICTVdb/ICTVdB/00.046.0.01.htm. [dead link] 1. ^ a b c d e f "Swine influenza". The Merck Veterinary Manual. 2008. ISBN 1442167424. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/121407.htm. Retrieved April 30, 2009. 2. ^ [1][dead link] 3. ^ Heinen PP (15 September 2003). "Swine influenza: a zoonosis". Veterinary Sciences Tomorrow. ISSN 1569-0830. http://www.vetscite.org/publish/articles/000041/print.html. "Influenza B and C viruses are almost exclusively isolated from man, although influenza C virus has also been isolated from pigs and influenza B has recently been isolated from seals." 4. ^ Bouvier NM, Palese P (September 2008). "THE BIOLOGY OF INFLUENZA VIRUSES". Vaccine 26 Suppl 4 (Suppl 4): D49–53. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.07.039. PMC 3074182. PMID 19230160. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&artid=3074182. 5. ^ Kimura H, Abiko C, Peng G et al. (April 1997). "Interspecies transmission of influenza C virus between humans and pigs". Virus Research 48 (1): 71–9. doi:10.1016/S0168-1702(96)01427-X. PMID 9140195. 6. ^ a b Matsuzaki Y, Sugawara K, Mizuta K et al. (February 2002). "Antigenic and Genetic Characterization of Influenza C Viruses Which Caused Two Outbreaks in Yamagata City, Japan, in 1996 and 1998". Journal of Clinical Microbiology 40 (2): 422–9. doi:10.1128/JCM.40.2.422-429...
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...Epidemiology Paper Name: Course: Date: 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...
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...Influenza Influenza is an acute, highly contagious respiratory infection. Influenza can be a serious disease, especially in the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions. Influenza is a viral infection commonly spread by coughing of respiratory secretions. There are many strains of influenza virus, the primary of which are identified as A, B, and C. Substrains, or subtypes, include H0N1, H1N1, H2N2, H3N2, and several others (Neighbors, 2015, p. 194). The most common symptoms are high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pains, headache, coughing, and feeling tired. These symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week. The cough, however, may last for more than two weeks ("Influenza", 2015). The flu is a widespread disease that greatly affects both people and society as a whole every year. Epidemiology Influenza reaches peak prevalence in winter, and because the Northern and Southern Hemispheres have winter at different times of the year, there are actually two different flu seasons each year. This is why the World Health Organization (assisted by the National Influenza Centers) makes recommendations for two different vaccine formulations every year; one for the Northern, and one for the Southern Hemisphere. As influenza is caused by a variety of species and strains of viruses, in any given year some strains can die out while others create epidemics, while yet another strain can cause a pandemic...
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...similar to that seen with seasonal influenza, while comparable estimates of R0 for the 1918, 1957, and 1968 pandemics ranged from 1.4-2.0. The WHO, however, suggests that there may be a much higher secondary attack rate. ■ COMMENTARY 2. 3. 4. 5. Government Pandemic Influenza Site: http://www.PandemicFlu.gov/ U.S. Government Pandemic Influenza Site: http://www.PandemicFlu.gov/ World Health Organization http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html Human/Swine A/H1N1 Influenza Origins and Evolution (Wiki) http://tree.bio.ed.ac.uk/groups/influenza/ http://www.thelancet.com/H1N1-flu The recognition that the initial perception of a high mortality rate was apparently spurious has led to some relaxation of concern. This may, however, be premature. While we have completed the usual influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere, the season is just beginning in the southern latitudes. Furthermore, previous pandemics have come in waves, with the second or third wave sometimes being associated with more severe disease than the original portion of the epidemic. While this was not true of the 1968 pandemic, it was true in 1957-1959 and, especially, in 1918. In fact, concern has been raised about the possible recombination of S-OIV with avian influenza, with the potential for significantly enhance virulence in a virus with a high degree of human-to-human transmissibility. ■ References: 1. Newman AP, et al. Human case of swine influenza A (H1N1) triple reassortant virus infection...
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...make roadways unsafe, and freezing temperatures can cause waterways to freeze over and become impassable. The warmer climates endure similar difficulties to travel, but they’re usually brief and require less strain on the resources exhaused to remedy said difficulties. This argument is not backed by statistical evidence, but by personal experiences of stress and frustration. Physical and mental health are much simpler to maintain during the warmer seasons. There is scientific evidence to support this position. It’s known commonly as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D., which can result in depression (“Cold”). S.A.D. affects the amount of serotonin in the human body, an essential chemical for maintaining positive moods and regular sleeping habits (“Night”). Colder climates are also more prone to illness. Indeed, a visit to the doctor’s office during flu season is common. “Flu season,” according to a study documented by the National Institute of Health, is during the winter months, based on evidence that, “Influenza viruses coat themselves in fatty material that hardens and protects them in colder temperatures (“U.S.”).” However, there is little evidence available that summer...
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...Epidemiology of Influenza As we welcome the winter season every year, we also welcome the possibility of various communicable diseases that are prone to present during the winter season. Diseases such as pneumonia, measles, chickenpox, and influenza are some of the diseases that make their annual debut during the winter season. These diseases affect certain parts of the body in which compromise ones health in one way or the other. Influenza is a communicable infectious viral disease which has the potential to occur as a pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak. Each year the influenza vaccine is offered in order to prevent and/or lessen the effect of the disease. In this paper the communicable disease influenza and its effect of the body and environment will be discussed. Communicable diseases are diseases that can be spread from person to person. In order for communicable diseases to make an impact, transmission of the infection must be evident from person to person. When large populations are infected with a disease, whether it is communicable or non-communicable, and epidemiology comes into play. Smith and Maurer describe epidemiology as the study of communicable diseases affecting large groups of people or populations (2009). Prevention play a major role in regards to preventing and decreasing the transmission of communicable diseases. Communicable diseases have chains called the epidemiologic triangle. In order to interrupt transmission, the triangle must be broken at...
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...Influenza or the flu affects an estimated 5-15% of the world’s population and results in 500,000 deaths annually. (World Health Organization, 2009). In the United States, between 1979 and 2001, averages of 226,000 persons were hospitalized and 36,000 died each year as a result of complications from influenza. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2007[CDC]). The primary method for preventing influenza is the flu vaccine, which is available in a variety of settings including clinics, hospitals, pharmacies and schools. The vaccine is typically distributed in October and November in anticipation of the winter flu season, which usually begins in late November and peaks in February. Influenza has been a common seasonal irritant for many years; it is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of viruses. Its symptoms are consistent with those of a cold, congestion, fever, chills, aches and pains. The virus can pass through the air and enter the body through the nose or mouth; it is spread very easily and very contagious. Everyone needs to be aware of the dangers of the influenza virus and the benefits of the influenza vaccine. The vaccine is a primary level of intervention to prevent a person from becoming ill with the influenza virus. Once vaccinated against the influenza antibodies are produced and hopefully the person who was vaccinated will not become infected. Cross-transmission of influenza infection from healthcare personnel (HCP) to patients has been described in...
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...Influenza Influenza is a virus capable of causing significant human disease which attacks the respiratory system. “Although the infection generally is limited to the lung, some strains of influenza can spread to other sites in certain people” (Murray, Rosenthal, & Pfaller, 2013, p. 530). According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2013), people with flu can spread it to others up to about 6 feet away. There are three types of influenza virus; influenza A, B, and C. The type A viruses are the most virulent human pathogens between the three influenza types and cause the most severe disease. “Influenza is one of the most prevalent and significant viral infections” (Murray, Rosenthal, & Pfaller, 2013, p. 524). The virus is responsible for many pandemics, including a pandemic that is considered one of the deadliest events in human history. “Influenza pandemics are caused by type A viruses, and therefore these are the most feared type of influenza virus; neither types B or C have caused pandemics” (Baylor College of Medicine, 2013). The three types are also divided into subtypes that constantly changing, with new strains appearing regularly. The antibodies that are created from the previous strains do not protect against the new strains. According to Baylor College of Medicine (2013), “because flu viruses change so easily and often, are unpredictable, and can be deadly, it is always a great concern when a new flu virus emerges, because the general population does not have...
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...Influenza July 20, 2014 Introduction Influenza also known as “Flu” is a contagious disease that affects mammals and birds. It is a viral disease that is caused by influenza viruses of the family orthomyxoviridae, which affects the lungs, throat, nose and other parts of the respiratory system. Most people tend to confuse influenza with common cold, stomach flu and other flu like illnesses, but influenza is a viral and deadly disease that is characterized with muscle pains, headache, runny nose, sore throat, high fever, colds, fatigue, nasal congestion, dry cough, vomiting and nausea. Different people may exhibit symptoms and signs of influenza differently, but most children tend to vomit and experience nausea when infected with the virus. Although influenza affects people of all ages, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and low body immunity and the aged are at a high risk of developing influenza and suffering from its complications. In most cases, children and old people affected with influenza tend to develop and suffer from other risk complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and other respiratory illnesses (Emmanuel, 2009). Pneumonia is a common complication that develops when the disease is not identified and treated on time thus leading to viral or bacterial pneumonia. Like other infectious diseases, influenza is a viral disease that is transmitted from one person to another through air. In essence...
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...reason for my call early in the morning and why the need to put my Company on alert. The article outlined the possible global pandemic stemming from swine flu cases from Mexico. In the United States 20 cases of the swine flu were confirmed during this time, leading American health officials declaring a public health emergency. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed eight illnesses from the H1N1virus in Queens, NY. Those illnesses came from St. Francis Preparatory School and prompted the Mayor of NY Michael R. Bloomberg to ensure the community that all those cases had been mild, and that city hospitals were not reporting an increase in severe lung infections caused by the virus (McNeil, Jr., 2010). Swine Flu in humans is called Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu). The swine flu virus is a respiratory illness found in pigs (swine). The A H1N1 is a virus that was believed to have derived from pigs and thereby was named Swine...
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...The Influenza Virus & Vaccine Efficacy Amy Snyder Bryant & Stratton College Microbiology Shane Wesener 6 November 2014 Abstract: Why is the flu vaccine so controversial? There always seems to be two strong, opposing sides in terms of its efficacy or safety, separated by innumerable studies that range from black and white, to grey area conclusions. Worldwide, the influenza virus is often associated with serious health events, and immunizations are considered a key component in preventing a majority of these consequences. With this year’s flu season in full swing, the influenza vaccine is available in nearly every pharmacy, hospital, and clinic, yet many people wonder if the flu shot is a good choice for them. Introduction: The influenza virus (the flu) is an acute, infectious, respiratory disease that’s caused by an orthmyxovirus, and consists of three main strains of the virus: A, B, and C, with two types of A and one of B being the cause of most of the accounted for flu. It infects the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract, where the effected cells die in part from the direct effects of the virus, and also because of the body’s interferon system, which may play a role in decreasing the production of the virus (Hunt, 2010, recovery, p 1). Outbreaks usually occur in colder climates, and is spread by person to person contact, fomites, or aerosol particles (Hunt, M., 2010, Virology). Symptoms of the flu experienced by most of the population range...
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...Influenza Epidemic Valerie Capobianco, RN Grand Canyon University Concepts in Community and Public Health NRS-427V Mary Nicks MSN, RN August 14, 2014 Influenza Epidemic Studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events, including disease, and the relevance of the study to control the disease along with other health problems is known as epidemiology. (World Health Organization, 2014) This author would like to discuss one of those diseases, that being influenza. Influenza viruses do not discriminate and affect individuals worldwide. This paper will include how the determinants of health contributes to the development of influenza, elements of epidemiologic triangle relate to the transmission of influenza, the role of community health nurses in controlling and preventing the influenza pandemic, and the role played by World Health Organization (WHO) in the global prevention and control of the disease. The influenza virus, more commonly known as the flu, is a contagious mild to severe respiratory illness infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. There are many different types or strains of influenza such as Swine H3N2, Avian H5N1, influenza A H1N1. Just the slightest mutation on the virus’s surface protein can quickly change a strain. This fast acting mutation is one of the reasons influenza viruses infect high numbers of people worldwide, leading to morbidity and mortality burden in communities. (WHO, 2011, pg. 22) When an individual is infected...
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...Communicable Diseases: Influenza Jena M. Gilbert Grand Canyon University: NRS-427V February 10, 2016 Communicable Diseases: Influenza This paper will discuss the communicable disease process of Influenza or otherwise known as Flu in common terms. Herein will discuss what Influenza is, in what ways Influenza effects the infected and what we as heath care workers can do when dealing with this virus. Influenza otherwise known as the flu is a respiratory illness, contrary to the misconception of the flu being a stomach bug. The flu is caused by a virus and when contracted can show a wide range of symptoms mild to severe and has even been known to cause death. There are three types of Influenza viruses, A, B and C. In humans, influenza A and B viruses are what commonly effects people and is known to cause seasonal epidemics, while Influenza C is generally known to cause much milder respiratory symptoms and not known to become as widespread. Both Influenza A and B have numerous varying strains that cause the Influenza infection. (“Types of Influenza Viruses|Seasonal Influenza(Flu) | CDC,” 2014). Influenza can infect and cause a disease process in any and all age groups. Typically Influenza is more commonly seen at higher rates in children, particularly school aged children. Severe illness and death related to influenza is more commonly seen in ages two and under, sixty five years of age and older or in individuals with primary medical conditions as well as immunocompromised...
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