Influenza A virus
(Redirected from Influenza A)
Influenza A virus | |
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Specialty | Virology, Epidemiology, Infectious disease |
Symptoms | Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, headache |
Complications | Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections |
Usual onset | 1-4 days after exposure |
Duration | 1-2 weeks |
Causes | Influenza A virus |
Diagnostic method | Rapid influenza diagnostic test, Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) |
Prevention | Influenza vaccine, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette |
Treatment | Antiviral medication, symptomatic treatment |
Influenza A virus is a type of orthomyxovirus that causes influenza, an acute respiratory illness commonly referred to as the flu. The virus is responsible for seasonal flu epidemics and occasional pandemics, such as the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Influenza A virus has multiple subtypes, which are classified based on the surface proteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The virus primarily infects birds but can also infect humans and other animals.
Transmission[edit | edit source]
Influenza A virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Symptoms of influenza A virus infection typically appear within 1-4 days of exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
Complications[edit | edit source]
In some cases, influenza A virus infection can lead to severe complications, including:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Sinus infections
- Ear infections
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Influenza A virus infection can be diagnosed using a variety of laboratory tests, including rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Prevention[edit | edit source]
The primary method for preventing influenza A virus infection is the annual influenza vaccine. Other preventive measures include practicing good hand hygiene, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for influenza A virus infection may include antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), which can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms if taken early in the course of the illness. Symptomatic treatment, such as rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications, can also help alleviate symptoms.
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
Influenza A virus Resources | ||
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD