Analyzing the Pathogenesis of Influenza - Essay Example

? [Teacher’s Influenza Introduction Influenza is an infectious disease that is caused by three types of influenza viruseswhich include A, B, C (Mayo Clinic staff, par 1-5). Influenza is often confused with common cold, however, it bares distinguishing traits in the sense that its symptoms are more severe. In addition, the etiological factors of the two diseases are different. Influenza affects the respiratory system and may lead to the formation of bacterial or viral pneumonia (Mayo Clinic staff, par 1-5). Respiratory viruses are very commonly spread due to the fact that they are airborne. The paper is dedicated towards analyzing the pathogenesis of influenza, its signs and symptoms and preventative and treatment measures that can be utilized in treating the illness. Body History A s mentioned above influenza is a respiratory viral disease that is caused by influenza a, b and c. The disease is also Known to possess its own traits that may be similar to other respiratory disorders. The presentations of influenza may vary between each individual and depending on historical factors such as vaccine or preexisting immunity the presents may present with mild to moderate symptoms. Influenza may also vary in terms of trigger factors and onset and can be acute, sub-acute or chronic. The most common symptoms that are witnessed in patients suffering with influenza include fever, respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, headache, myalgia, severe fatigue and malaise, watery red eyes and tachycardia. Ass mentioned above these symptoms may vary between each patient and signs such as fever may not be present. The duration of sore throat ranges from 3 to 5 days and has been found to be one of the most frequently expressed symptoms and the reason for searching for medical care. Myalgias have also been found to be variable between each patient and also range in intensity between moderate and severe. The localization of pain may be either retro orbital or frontal and is often severe in nature. Patients suffering from influenza also present a series of ocular symptoms which include burning sensations, photophobia and pain on exertion/motion. Rhinitis has also been found to be a complimentary symptom to the others which were mentioned above. The patients are often bed ridden and at times the intensity of symptoms may prevent them from performing the daily social and occupational activities. Influenza possess an average incubation period of approximately 2.5 days and at times the patient may be unaware that he or she is infected if the disease is transmitted through an asymptomatic patient or from contaminated surfaces. Initial flu symptoms that have been found in pandemics include myalgias, hyperexia, rhinorrhea, sore throat, diarrhea and vomiting and nausea. Physical Examination This feature is also very different between each patient hence it is very difficult to create a particular list of physical signs that are uniquely attributed to influenza. Patients may present malaise and respiratory abnormalities in their examination findings. The patients are often found to have a body temperature of approximately 100-104 and pharyngitis which may be a result of minimal or severe inflammatory changes. Tachycardia mainly occurs as a result of hypoxia, hyperexia of both factors. The physician must also touch and assess the temperature of the patient’s skin which will differ from physiological status and can be too cold or too hot. In addition, due to excessive fluid loss during sweating, the patient may present with dry skin. The patients may also present with pulmonery findings and these may present a non productive cough which accompanied with rhonci upon auscultation and also focal wheezing is audible. Nasal disarge is also not prevalent in each individual suffering from influenza. Patients who have been affected by influenza virus a may present with certain symptoms such as acute encephalopathy and rare cases of coma, seizures and mental status have also been found among patients. Mechanisms of pathogenic action at cellular & molecular level Influenza viruses possess a negative sense, are encapsulated and possess single stranded RNA belonging to the family of Orthomyxoviridae. The difference between the influenza viruses A, B and C is from their nucleoproteins. The A virus is composed of eight gene segments which are surrounded by ten whilst influenza B viruses are surrounded by eleven proteins. The most important physiological surface proteins include neuraminidase and hemagglutinin. The two above mentioned surface proteins are essential in the virulence of influenza. These are also the targets for neutralized antibodies during physiological immune responses to influenza. The mechanism of cell infection development is due to the binding of hemagglutin with respiratory epithelial cells. The neuraminidases are also responsible for the cleaving of viral bonds hence leading to the fast spread of the influenza virus. Interspecies spread There is also a significant transmission of infection between different species hence there have been over 100 types of influenza viruses that have been found in birds, dogs, horses, seals and pigs. In addition, influenza viruses are frequently specific to each species. The terms aviation influenza have also been utilized to explain the influenza viruses that affect birds and can be passed to humans. Transmission and infection The transmission of infection between humans is through aerosol mechanisms. However, animals often spread the infection to humans through direct contact and the risk of spread is mainly high during the slaughtering of animals. Hence, emphasizing the necessity for eating sufficiently cooked and prepared meat. Human to human transmission is usually due to sneezing or cough which releases viruses into the air. The disease is mainly prominent among individuals who are immunologically susceptible. In immune competent individuals, the virus can be blocked by antibodies and stopped from infecting respiratory tract cells and airways. When the viruses infect cells, there are is progressive degeneration and cellular dysfunction. In addition, there is continuous viral replication and systemic systems mainly occur due to inflammatory responses within the body. As mentioned above, the incubation period of the influenza virus is approximately 1 to 4 days. Viral shedding is procedure that takes place shortly after the onset of symptoms and illness which can be 24 hrs from the initial infection. The process of viral shedding takes place for approximately five to ten days. The process may vary in length however was seen to be more prominent among young children. Treatment The most efficient and currently recommended method of treatment by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is vaccination (Kamali and Holodniy, 187-198). This is recommended to be carried out annually for each individual who is six months or older. Health measures may be taken publicly and utilized to limit the spread of virus in closed environments (Kamali and Holodniy, 187-198). These include isolation and giving suspected people sick leaves. Bed rest has also been found to greatly improve the status of patients suffering from influenza and symptoms are often seen to subside within a period of approximately 3 days. There have been 4 antiviral therapies that have been approved for subscription to individuals suffering from influenza and these include Zanamivir, Oseltamivir, Amantadine and Rimantadine (Kamali and Holodniy, 187-198). Recently, several approaches have been taken towards reducing the influenza pandemic by flu vaccination. This approach has been carried out on a yearly basis, however, recently researchers have suggested that there is a possibility of utilizing broadly neutral antibodies in humans to hemagglutinin which is capable of bind to all variants of flu viruses (Cohen, 1171). Conclusions and Comments The research of influenza is essential as the disease is commonly transmitted, even by asymptomatic individuals. The virus is always constantly changing and hence new vaccines have to be made in order to prevent infection. The study was helpful in illustrating that an individual’s immune system is one of the key factors in preventing the development of influenza. Making certain lifestyle changes can help an individual prevent this fatal respiratory illness. In addition, certain public measures can be taken to prevent the spread of the disease. People should also ensure that they cook their meet appropriately as this is also a key mode of transmission between different species. Works Cited Cohen, John. “A Once in a Lifetime Flu Shot?”. News Focus. 2013. Kamali, Amanda, and M. Holodniy. "Influenza treatment and prophylaxis with neuraminidase inhibitors: a review." Infection and Drug Resistance 6 (2013): 187-198. Mayo Clinic staff. Influenza (flu). n.d Web. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/DS00081 par. 1-5 Read More