Influenza

Influenza viruses are a group of enveloped, segmented, negative-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the Orthomyxovirida family. While influenza B and C viruses cause disease only in humans, influenza A viruses are rich in host diversity. They cause seasonal influenza disease in the northern hemisphere in September-April. However, the antigenic shift and drift properties of the virus can cause mutations in hosts other than humans and cause pandemics. The disease spectrum caused by influenza viruses ranges from simple upper respiratory tract infections to complicated lower respiratory tract infections and may lead to secondary bacterial infections. Annual influenza vaccination and post-exposure anti-viral prophylaxis are effective in preventing the disease. In cases where influenza is confirmed by laboratory tests and/or clinically suspected of influenza, rapid initiation of effective antiviral treatments, hospitalisations, labour force losses and extra costs to the health system can be prevented.