Influenza Virus leads to death

Influenza Virus leads to death- Influenza Virus is harmful in humans health. Deaths has been reported this year, two was confirmed.

In Auckland a four-year-old boy died after developing pneumonia. Influenza A was detected but no sub-type identified yet, director of the WHO National Influenza Centre, Sue Huang said. A 77-year-old woman with a chronic condition died and the A strain (H3N2) was identified. A 41-year-old Christchurch woman is also thought to have died after contracting influenza.

Influenza, commonly known as “the flu”, is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can be mild to severe.The most common symptoms include: a high fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pains, headache, coughing, and feeling tired. These symptoms typically begin two days after exposure to the virus and most last less than a week. The cough, however, may last for more than two weeks. In children there may be nausea and vomiting but these are not common in adults. Nausea and vomiting occur more commonly in the unrelated infection gastroenteritis, which is sometimes inaccurately referred to as “stomach flu” or “24-hour flu”. Complications of influenza may include viral pneumonia, secondary bacterial pneumonia, sinus infections, and worsening of previous health problems such as asthma or heart failure.

Worst affected areas are Tairawhiti more than 400 cases per 100,000, South Canterbury and Canterbury 150 to 399 cases per 100,000. In the past week, a total of 345 consultations for influenza-like illness were reported from 56 general practices in 18 out of 20 DHBs, the report says.

According to Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Stewart Jessamine, after two mild years, in 2013 and 2014, this is much more like an average flu season,some parts of the country may be experiencing higher rates than others, including variation between the A strain and B strain.

“Obviously it is possible the season has yet to peak, although the rate of growth in cases did ease somewhat in the last week. Weekly monitoring means we can soon pick up any change in the situation.” Dr Stewart Jessamine said.

“The symptoms experienced are the same for either strain. Influenza is a serious virus and can be life-threatening, especially for people who already have existing serious health conditions.” she added.IMAGE/www.colourbox.com