Introduction
The term communicable diseases is sometimes used alternatively with the term infectious diseases to refer to diseases that are easily passed from an infected person to a healthy individual, from animals to human beings or from inanimate objects such as desks and door knobs to a healthy individual. Communicable diseases are caused by bacteria, viruses or even fungi. Communicable diseases are most dangerous as they can easily spread across a population before it is noted (Stefan, & Davidson, 2002). Spread and transmission is fast as it can be passed through body fluids such as semen, saliva, spit or droplets from sneezes. It can also spread through contaminated foods and through inhalation of infected air. One of most notable and dangerous communicable diseases is influenza.
Overview: Influenza (flu)
Influenza, simply referred to as flu is a viral infections that affects the nose, throat, bronchi and the lungs. Influenza is highly risky as it is usually confused with common cold thus ignored until the situation becomes severe. If not well managed, influenza can easily develop to viral pneumonia which is equally fatal and difficult to treat. Individuals most prone to influenza are the children the elderly in the society and individual with underlying health conditions.
According to a study conducted by CDC (2012), it is estimated that close to 39% of children between the ages of 6months to 17 years receive influenza vaccines every year (Centre for disease control and prevention, 2012). 25% young adults as well as 41% of senior’s citizens and elderly receive vaccines every year. The studies also estimated that from 2011-2012, close to 3000 deaths due to influenza. This is 1:0 ratio in a population of 100000 people (Centre for disease control and prevention, 2012).
The occurrence of flu is sudden and involves the presence of symptoms such as fever and chills, cough, sore throat, running nose, headaches, persistent fatigue and body aches. Whereas some people may exhibit all these symptoms others may have some. Flu is highly unpredictable. Whereas it is expected that infected individuals will heal in a matter of days, some flu cases become serious and life threatening. If an individual is for instance not vaccinated, the effects of influenza may be more severe and life threatening than one who is vaccinated (Centre for disease control and prevention, 2012).
Environmental Factors
Influenza has been found to occur with seasonality. The transmission of influenza is dependant on relative humidity and temperature. With regards to relative humidity the increased occurrence of flu is attributed to the fact that breathing dry air could lead to destruction of the nasal mucosa. The destruction of the nasal mucosa leaves an individual susceptible to respiratory viral infections. In relative humidity the individual is exposed to dry air meaning that s/he is susceptible to infections. When the temperatures are low, the rates of infection of flu go up. This is due to increased viscosity of the mucous layer. If in such as instance an individual is exposed to the influenza virus, the viral spread will be high due to the hindrance by the thick mucosa (Stefan, & Davidson, 2002). Other environmental factors include: overcrowding. If people are overcrowded in an area/room that is not properly ventilated, there is increased risk of infection and spread of flu. This is because flu is a viral infection and will thus be transferable through air.
Management of Influenza
Currently, the surest way to control the spread and severity of influenza is through an influenza vaccine. This is given to mainly children and the elderly as well as those with conditions such as asthma and heart diseases. After vaccination, an individual can still get influenza but the effects will be minimal.
Other ways that can be adopted to reduce infection and transmission to healthy individuals involves general personal hygiene practices such as washing hands using soap or alcohol based rubs, not touching the eyes, face and mouth, covering ones’ mouth when coughing or sneezing and minimizing physical contact with infected persons (Lowen, & Steel, 2007). If the contact is unavoidable, wearing of face masks is recommended. Other measures such as quarantine where the sick are isolated from the healthy in the community are recommended. It does not reduce the fatalities that may occur but it significantly reduces the rates of infections and spread (Centre for disease control and prevention, 2012).
Public Health Department and Reducing the Threat of Influenza
The public health department has embarked on a series of research program so as to be better prepared to curb the flu virus in future. Studies are being done of the molecular make up of the virus and how it cause disease to the host. Research is also being conducted on the genetics and spread of the flue virus. Such intensive research will be essential in creating anti viral drugs and establishment of more effective vaccines. One prominent research program is the Influenza Genome Sequencing Project which is focused on determining the genomic sequences of various strains of influenza viruses (Lowen, & Steel, 2007).
Other than engaging in research there is need for increased community program. These programs will focus on educating the communities on preventive measures with regards to influenza. Health care facilities will be educated on maintenance of top notch hygienic standards thus preventing infection. Education on the need for vaccination should be emphasized in communities that are slow to adopt such practices. Education will also focus on early detection of symptoms of influenza as well as treatment (Centre for disease control and prevention, 2012).
Conclusion
Influenza is a viral disease that can infect a magnitude of people within a very short period of time. Other than conducting intensive research on how best to manage the virus responsible for flu, it is important to involve the communities. Mass education on the need for vaccination especially for children, the elderly and individual with underlying medical complications should be enhanced. Education on basic hygienic practices such as watching of hands as well as disinfection of communal places such as hospitals is also highly advices. It is only through government and community involvement that a community can be well prepared for any influenza pandemic in future thus averting loss of lives.
Reference
Centre for disease control and prevention, (2012). Seasonal influenza. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.htm
Lowen, A. & Steel, P. (2007). Influenza virus transmission is dependent on relative
humidity and temperature. Retrieved from
http://www.plospathogens.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.ppat.0030151
Stefan, G. & Davidson, H. (2002). Current strategies for management of influenza in
elderly population. Oxford Journal of clinical infectious diseases. Vol. 35(6); 729-
737 Retrieved from http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/35/6/729.full
