DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Influenza (Seasonal Flu)

MODERATE

Viral respiratory infection caused by influenza A and B viruses. Annual epidemics causing significant morbidity and mortality. Vaccine composition updated yearly.

Global Affected

1.0B

Countries

111

Symptoms

Sudden fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny/stuffy nose
Muscle/body aches
Headaches
Fatigue
Chills
Loss of appetite
Nausea/vomiting (more common in children)

Treatment Options

Antivirals (oseltamivir, zanamivir, baloxavir)
Supportive care
Antipyretics
Fluids
Rest
Hospitalization (severe)

Risk Factors

1Age >65
2Young children
3Pregnancy
4Chronic medical conditions
5Immunosuppression
6Obesity
7Healthcare workers

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT)
  • 2RT-PCR
  • 3Viral culture
  • 4Immunofluorescence

Prognosis

Usually self-limiting (3-7 days). Complications: pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis. Annual deaths: 290,000-650,000 globally.

Prevention

  • Annual vaccination
  • Hand hygiene
  • Respiratory etiquette
  • Antiviral prophylaxis (outbreaks)
  • Staying home when sick

Research Status

Universal flu vaccines in development. Antivirals (oseltamivir, baloxavir) if given early. mRNA flu vaccines coming. Improved vaccine platforms. Better pandemic preparedness post-COVID.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanChinaIndiaBrazilRussiaSwedenNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkNorwayFinlandPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaSingaporeTaiwanHong KongMalaysiaThailandVietnamIndonesiaPhilippinesSouth AfricaNigeriaEgyptTurkeyIranSaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitOmanJordanLebanonSyriaYemenIraqAfghanistanPakistanBangladeshLKNPMMKHLAMNKazakhstanUzbekistanTMKGTJAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMEMKSerbiaXKMexicoArgentinaChileColombiaPeruVenezuelaEcuadorUYPYBOCRPAGuatemalaHNSVNIBZJMHaitiDominican RepublicCuba

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov
  • https://www.who.int
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.