Historical overview and types of influenza virus
The history of the influenza virus is marked by significant events that have influenced public health over the centuries. The influenza virus has been recognized since ancient times, with documented epidemics occurring in various historical periods. However, it was only in 1933 that the influenza virus was first isolated, allowing for a greater understanding of its characteristics and its impact on human health.
One of the most devastating influenza pandemics was the so-called “Spanish flu” of 1918, which severely affected parts of the world, resulting in millions of deaths. This event highlighted the unpredictable and potentially lethal nature of the influenza virus.
The influenza virus is primarily classified into three types: A, B, and C. Type A is the most common and diverse, with various subtypes based on surface proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). These subtypes, known as H1N1 or H3N2, are important for influenza surveillance and prevention, as they determine the virus’s characteristics and its ability to infect humans.
Type B is less common and generally causes milder illness compared to type A but can still be responsible for seasonal epidemics. There are two distinct lineages of influenza B, known as B/Victoria and B/Yamagata.
Type C is the least common and usually only causes mild illness. It does not have H and N subtype classifications like types A and B.
Seasonal variations in the influenza virus are due to small genetic mutations that occur over time, called “antigenic drift,” necessitating the annual formulation of new influenza vaccines to protect the population from predominant variants.
Influenza pandemics occur when a new subtype of influenza A emerges for which most people have no immunity. These events can have significant public health impacts and require rapid and coordinated responses to contain virus spread.
Distinctive features of influenza viruses a, b, c, and d
Influenza viruses of types A, B, C, and D exhibit distinct characteristics that differentiate them in terms of epidemiology and impact on human health.
Type A influenza virus is the most common and extensively studied among the four types. It is characterized by its ability to infect a wide range of species, including humans and animals. Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on surface proteins hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), such as H1N1 or H3N2. These subtypes can undergo significant antigenic changes through phenomena like antigenic drift and shift, which can lead to influenza pandemics when new subtypes emerge for which the population has no immunity.
Type B influenza virus is generally associated with seasonal influenza epidemics, although its impact is usually less severe than type A. Influenza B viruses are divided into two main lineages: B/Victoria and B/Yamagata. Although they primarily infect humans, influenza B viruses can also be detected in some animal species.
Type C influenza virus is the least common and usually causes mild illness, although it can be responsible for respiratory infections in children. Unlike types A and B, type C influenza virus is not divided into H and N subtypes and is associated with milder symptoms.
Type D influenza virus has been identified more recently and is believed to primarily infect livestock, such as cattle and pigs. This type of influenza virus differs in host specificity and is not known to cause illness in humans.
In summary, influenza viruses of types A, B, C, and D show significant variations in their epidemiological characteristics, with type A posing the greatest public health threat due to its ability to cause pandemics, while types B, C, and D are associated with varying degrees of illness severity and host specificity.
Influenza mutability and its epidemic consequences
The mutability of the influenza virus is a fundamental characteristic that contributes to its epidemic consequences and poses challenges in the prevention and control of influenza. This mutability stems from the virus’s ability to rapidly accumulate small changes in its genetic material during the replication process.
One of the primary causes of influenza mutability is the lack of proofreading during viral replication. During this process, the virus’s RNA polymerase enzyme has a low error-correction capability, leading to a higher frequency of mutations compared to other viruses.
Influenza mutability is the main reason why the composition of the influenza vaccine must be reviewed and updated annually. Scientists constantly monitor circulating strains of influenza viruses to identify the most relevant ones and include them in the new annual vaccine.
The epidemic consequences of influenza mutability are manifold:
- Antibody resistance: influenza mutations can lead to the formation of new viral strains against which people’s immune systems have no protection. This facilitates virus spread among individuals, increasing the number of influenza cases
- Potential for pandemics: influenza mutability can also result in more drastic changes known as “antigenic shift.” this occurs when a new subtype of influenza virus emerges (e.g., influenza a), for which the human population has no pre-existing immunity. These events can trigger global influenza pandemics, as seen in the cases of the 1918 (spanish flu) and 2009 (h1n1 swine flu) pandemics
- Challenges in prevention and control: the virus’s mutability complicates predicting the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine in a given season. Even if the vaccine is administered, its efficacy can vary depending on the predominant viral strains circulating during that period.
Understanding influenza mutability is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat seasonal outbreaks and mitigate the risk of global pandemics caused by novel viral strains.
Modes of contagion and disease transmission
Understanding the modes of contagion and transmission of influenza, a common viral respiratory illness, is crucial for effective prevention and control measures. Here are the primary modes of contagion and disease transmission of influenza:
- Airborne transmission: the main mode of influenza contagion is through contact with infected respiratory droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets may contain the influenza virus and can be inhaled by nearby individuals, entering their respiratory system
- Direct contact with contaminated surfaces: people can also contract influenza by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with respiratory droplets containing the virus and subsequently touching their own face, especially the mouth, nose, or eyes. This mode of transmission is known as indirect contact transmission
- Person-to-person spread: influenza spreads easily from person to person, particularly in crowded environments such as schools, workplaces, public transportation, and healthcare facilities. Close physical proximity to infected individuals increases the risk of transmission
- Contagious period: infected individuals can transmit the influenza virus to others starting from one day before symptoms begin and continuing for about 5-7 days after becoming ill. In children and those with compromised immune systems, the contagious period may be prolonged
- Seasonal and epidemic spread: influenza can spread seasonally during colder months of the year, but influenza epidemics can also occur during other times. Epidemics occur when the virus rapidly spreads among a susceptible population.
Influenza: symptoms, diagnosis, and complications
Influenza presents with a series of symptoms that usually start suddenly and may include:
- High fever (often above 38°C or 100.4°F)
- Chills and sweating
- Severe headache
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Muscle and joint aches
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Overall feeling of discomfort and malaise
Influenza symptoms can resemble those of the common cold but tend to be more severe and onset rapidly.
Regarding diagnosis, it typically relies on clinical symptoms, especially during flu season. However, in some cases, the presence of the virus can be confirmed through diagnostic tests such as rapid influenza diagnostic tests that detect the viral antigen in nasal or throat secretions. More accurate tests, like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), can identify the influenza virus with higher specificity.
Complications can be more severe in immunocompromised patients, young children, and the elderly. It’s important to watch for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. Complications that can arise include:
- Pneumonia: a secondary bacterial infection of the lungs that can be severe, especially in young children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions
- Exacerbation of chronic conditions: influenza can worsen chronic medical conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Ear or sinus infections: influenza can increase the risk of developing secondary infections in the ears or sinuses
- Exacerbation of heart disease: individuals with heart disease may have an increased risk of cardiac events during an influenza infection.
Treatment options and remedies for influenza
Adequate rest is essential to allow the body to effectively fight off influenza infection. Drinking plenty of fluids such as water, hot tea, broth, or fruit juices helps keep the body hydrated and soothes the throat.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or peramivir. These medications can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection, especially if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Medications like paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever, relieve headache, and alleviate muscle aches associated with influenza. It’s important to carefully follow the recommended doses. For nasal congestion or sinusitis, over-the-counter nasal decongestants or antihistamines may be helpful to relieve related symptoms.
Warm saltwater gargles or throat sprays can help soothe a sore throat and reduce irritation.
7. Influenza prevention: importance and types of vaccines
Influenza prevention through vaccination is critically important for protecting individual health and public health. Influenza vaccines are designed to stimulate an immune response against the most prevalent strains of influenza virus, thereby reducing the risk of contracting and spreading the infection.
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for several reasons:
- Individual protection: the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of contracting influenza, thus limiting the potential impact of influenza symptoms on daily life and productivity
- Protection of vulnerable populations: elderly individuals, young children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are particularly at risk of influenza-related complications. Vaccination helps protect these high-risk populations
- Reduction of healthcare burden: influenza vaccination contributes to reducing the number of medical visits, hospitalizations, and severe complications associated with influenza during the flu season
Several types of influenza vaccines are available:
- Inactivated vaccine (trivalent or quadrivalent): this is the most common type of influenza vaccine, containing inactivated parts of the most prevalent influenza a and b virus strains. It is administered via intramuscular injection
- Adjuvanted vaccine: this is a variant of the inactivated vaccine that contains an adjuvant to stimulate a stronger immune response, particularly beneficial for elderly individuals
- Live attenuated vaccine: this is a live attenuated vaccine administered as a nasal spray. It contains live but weakened strains of the influenza virus and stimulates a protective immune response
The choice of influenza vaccine type depends on the patient’s age, health status, and any medical contraindications. Influenza vaccination should be administered prior to the onset of the influenza season to ensure maximum protection.
