In Light of Recent Severe Cases: 10 Facts About Influenza and Its Complications

Influenza is one of the most common illnesses worldwide, with increased risk of infection during winter. Following recent reports of a 7-year-old girl who died due to complications from the illness, and a young mother of three who is critically ill for the same reason – here are some essential facts about the disease and its potential complications:

1. Influenza is caused by viruses that spread from person to person, for example, through sneezing.
2. Symptoms accompanying the illness can include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, migraines, rheumatic pains, and general weakness – which may last up to two weeks.
3. Since the cause of the illness is a virus, not bacteria, there is no need to treat it with antibiotics.
4. Common medical recommendations for treatment include hydration, rest, and taking medication to reduce fever and relieve pain.
5. Potential complications of influenza: pneumonia and respiratory failure, which can lead to death. It is also noted that certain populations are at greater risk for developing influenza complications: infants and children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, those with lung disorders, and individuals with weakened immune systems, among others.
6. Maintaining hygiene, including air circulation in rooms, washing hands, daily cleaning, etc., can reduce the chance of infection. Vaccination also helps, especially for those in the previously mentioned high-risk groups.
7. Most doctors recommend getting the vaccination from mid-October onward.
8. The influenza vaccine contains an inactivated virus that cannot cause the illness. This method has been used for decades and typically prevents infection and possible complications from it.
9. Occasionally, as in this year, the vaccine composition is updated, adding the main virus strains that researchers expect to confront. Since these strains renew annually, it is necessary to vaccinate anew each year.
10. Side effects of the vaccine: respiratory infection appearing shortly after vaccination, redness, swelling, and sensitivity in the vaccinated area, which may last two to three days.