Flu Infection and History

 

What is Flu ?

The respiratory illness influenza, more frequently referred to as the flu, is brought on by influenza viruses. It usually affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can result in mild to severe symptoms. Fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body pains, headaches, chills, and weariness are all signs of the flu.

When a person with the flu talks, coughs, or sneezes, respiratory droplets are released into the air that might transmit the illness. These droplets may land on other individuals or objects, where they may remain for a while and spread to other people who come into contact with the contaminated surfaces.

The majority of people who contract the flu recover within a few days to two weeks without the need for any special medical care. However, some people are more susceptible to flu-related complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which can be serious or even life-threatening, such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. It is crucial to take precautions against the flu, including getting vaccinated, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with sick people.

When did the flu start in history?

The viruses that cause the flu have most likely been around for thousands of years. However, an epidemic that raced through Europe and Asia in 1580 was the earliest known outbreak of a flu-like sickness. The condition was frequently fatal and was characterised by symptoms including fever, chills, coughing, and exhaustion.

Since that time, there have been numerous flu outbreaks, some of which have had a substantial effect on human populations. One of the most well-known flu pandemics was the Spanish flu, which struck in 1918–1919 and is said to have killed 50 million people globally and infected a third of the world's population. The Asian flu in 1957–1958 and the Hong Kong flu in 1968–1969 are two further major flu pandemics.

Even in modern times, seasonal epidemics of the flu still happen annually. Public health initiatives are concentrated on decreasing the effect of flu epidemics through steps like improved surveillance and public awareness campaigns. Vaccines and antiviral drugs are however available to help prevent and treat the flu.

Spanish Flu History (1918-1919)

The 1918-1919 influenza pandemic, commonly known as the Spanish flu, was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It is estimated to have infected one third of the world's population and caused 50 million deaths worldwide, including approximately 675,000 in the United States.

The pandemic began in the spring of 1918 and lasted for about two years. It was caused by a strain of the influenza virus known as H1N1, which was particularly virulent and had a high mortality rate. The virus was able to spread rapidly due to the movement of soldiers and civilians during World War I.

The pandemic was marked by a sudden onset of symptoms, including fever, cough, and fatigue, followed by rapid progression to severe respiratory distress and, in some cases, death. The virus was particularly deadly for young adults, a group that is usually less susceptible to severe illness from influenza.

At the time, there were no effective treatments or vaccines for the flu, and public health measures such as quarantines and school closures were often implemented to try to control the spread of the disease. Despite these efforts, the pandemic continued to spread, causing widespread panic and disruption.

The exact origin of the Spanish flu is still unknown, but it is believed to have originated in birds and then spread to humans, possibly through domesticated animals such as pigs. The pandemic eventually subsided in the summer of 1919, although it left a lasting impact on public health and pandemic preparedness efforts around the world.

Asian flu History (1957-1958)

The Asian flu pandemic of 1957-1958 was caused by a strain of the influenza virus known as H2N2. It is believed to have originated in China and then spread to other parts of Asia before spreading to Europe and North America.

The pandemic began in the spring of 1957 and lasted for about two years, although the peak of the outbreak occurred in the fall and winter of 1957-1958. The virus was highly contagious and caused a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it could lead to pneumonia and death.

The pandemic affected millions of people worldwide, with an estimated 1-2 million deaths. The virus was particularly deadly for the elderly, young children, and pregnant women.

At the time, there were no vaccines for the Asian flu, but antiviral drugs were used to treat severe cases. Public health measures such as quarantine and school closures were also used to try to control the spread of the disease.

The Asian flu pandemic had a significant impact on global health and highlighted the need for better preparedness and coordination in responding to infectious disease outbreaks. It also led to the development of new vaccines and antiviral drugs for influenza, which have since been used to help prevent and treat flu outbreaks.

Hong Kong flu History (1968-1969)

The Hong Kong flu pandemic of 1968-1969 was caused by a strain of the influenza virus known as H3N2. The virus was first detected in Hong Kong in July 1968 and then quickly spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America.

The pandemic lasted for about two years and is estimated to have infected up to one billion people worldwide. The virus caused a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it could lead to pneumonia and death.

The Hong Kong flu pandemic had a significant impact on global health, causing an estimated one million deaths worldwide, including approximately 100,000 in the United States. The virus was particularly deadly for the elderly, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.

At the time, there were no vaccines for the Hong Kong flu, but antiviral drugs were used to treat severe cases. Public health measures such as quarantine and school closures were also used to try to control the spread of the disease.

The Hong Kong flu pandemic underscored the importance of global cooperation and coordination in responding to infectious disease outbreaks. It also led to the development of new vaccines and antiviral drugs for influenza, which have since been used to help prevent and treat flu outbreaks.

Vaccines of Flu and Made by 

There are multiple types of flu vaccines available worldwide, and the specific names and availability may vary by country. Some common types of flu vaccines include:

Inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV): This vaccine contains killed flu viruses and is administered via injection.

Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV): This vaccine contains weakened flu viruses and is administered via nasal spray.

Recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV): This vaccine is made using genetic engineering technology and does not require the use of flu viruses.

Some examples of specific flu vaccines and their countries of origin include:

1. Fluzone (IIV) - United States
2. Flumist (LAIV) - United States
3. Flublok (RIV) - United States
4. Fluarix (IIV) - United Kingdom
5. Vaxigrip Tetra (IIV) - France
6. Agrippal (IIV) - Italy
7. FluQuadri (IIV) - Australia
8. Influvac (IIV) - Netherlands
9. FluMist Quadrivalent (LAIV) - Canada

It's important to note that the availability of these vaccines may vary by country and region, and your healthcare provider can help determine which vaccine is best for you.

Treatment of Flu in home

If you have mild flu symptoms, there are several things you can do at home to help alleviate them and promote recovery. Here are some home remedies for treating flu:

Get plenty of rest

Rest is important to help your body recover from the flu. Try to get enough sleep and avoid strenuous activities.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, and soup, to help prevent dehydration.

Take over-the-counter medications

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help relieve fever and body aches.

Use a humidifier

 Using a humidifier can help relieve nasal congestion and cough.

Gargle with saltwater

 Gargling with warm saltwater can help soothe a sore throat.

Take steamy showers

Taking a steamy shower can help relieve congestion and ease breathing.

Eat healthy foods

Eating healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help support your immune system and promote healing.

Stay home

Stay home until your symptoms improve to prevent the spread of the virus to others.

It's important to note that if you have severe flu symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, or if you are at high risk for complications from the flu, you should seek medical attention right away.