Influenza

Also known as the flu, influenza is a

contagious illness in the respiratory
tract that infects the nose and
throat and can move into the lungs.
It is caused by influenza viruses,
which cause illness that ranges from
mild to severe. In the worst cases,
influenza can lead to death.
Types of Influenza
• Influenza A
• Influenza B
• Influenza C
• Influenza D
Influenza A
• Can infect humans, birds, pigs, horses, and
other animals
• Can cause pandemics when a new strain
emerges that spreads easily and people
have little immunity
• The H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes are included
in the seasonal flu vaccine
Influenza B
• Usually only found in humans
• Generally causes less severe illness than
influenza A
• The B/Victoria and B/Yamagata lineages are
currently circulating
Influenza C
• Causes mild illness in humans
• Occurs less frequently than A and B
• Not included in the seasonal flu vaccine
Influenza D
• Primarily affects cattle and other animals
• Not known to infect or cause illness in
people
Since the late 1800s, pandemic outbreaks of novel
influenza strains have occurred every 10 to 50
years. Five flu pandemics have occurred since
1900: the Spanish flu from 1918 to 1920, which
was the most severe; the Asian flu in 1957; the
Hong Kong flu in 1968; the Russian flu in 1977;
and the swine flu pandemic in 2009.
Spanish Flu
The Spanish Flu, also known as the 1918
influenza pandemic, was one of the deadliest
pandemics in history. It occurred between 1918
and 1920, infecting approximately one-third of
the global population and causing at least 50
million deaths worldwide. The disease was
caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus, likely
originating in birds, and it spread rapidly across
continents, exacerbated by the movement of
troops and crowded conditions during World War
I.
Asian Flu
The Asian Flu refers to the influenza pandemic that
occurred between 1957 and 1958, caused by the
H2N2 influenza A virus. It was the second major
influenza pandemic of the 20th century, following the
Spanish Flu of 1918. Originating in East Asia, the Asian
Flu ultimately spread worldwide, resulting in an
estimated 1–2 million deaths globally.

Symptoms of the Asian Flu included fever, cough,

chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. While most cases
were mild, the virus caused severe complications,
particularly in the elderly and those with pre-existing
health conditions. Pneumonia was a common
Hong Kong Flu
The Hong Kong Flu was a global influenza pandemic that
occurred between 1968 and 1970, caused by the H3N2
influenza A virus. It originated in Hong Kong in early
1968, spreading rapidly to other parts of Asia, then
reaching the United States, Europe, and beyond. The
pandemic resulted in an estimated 1 to 4 million deaths
worldwide.
The H3N2 virus was a new strain that evolved from the
H2N2 virus responsible for the Asian Flu of 1957. It
contained genetic material from both human and avian
influenza viruses, making it highly contagious. Unlike
previous flu pandemics, the Hong Kong Flu had a lower
mortality rate, possibly because some people had partial
immunity from exposure to earlier influenza strains.
Russian Flu
Russian Flu was a pandemic that occurred between 1889 and
1890, caused by what is believed to have been an early strain of
the H3N8 or H2N2 influenza A virus. It was one of the first
modern pandemics to be extensively documented and studied.

The mortality rate of the Russian Flu was relatively low compared
to later pandemics like the Spanish Flu of 1918, but it still caused
an estimated 1 million deaths worldwide. The outbreak lasted for
about a year, with multiple waves of infection.

At the time, medical knowledge about viruses was limited, and

there were no vaccines or antiviral treatments. Public health
responses were rudimentary, mainly consisting of quarantine
measures and supportive care for the sick. The pandemic
eventually faded, likely due to acquired immunity in the
Recent studies suggest that the Russian Flu may
not have been caused by influenza at all. Some
researchers theorize that it could have been an
early coronavirus outbreak, possibly related to
OC43, a coronavirus that still circulates today as
a cause of the common cold. This theory is
based on similarities in symptoms and
transmission patterns.
Swine Flu
The most significant swine flu outbreak in humans
occurred in 2009, when a new strain of H1N1
emerged. This strain contained genetic material from
swine, avian, and human influenza viruses, allowing it
to spread rapidly among people. The first cases were
reported in Mexico in early 2009, and within months,
the virus spread worldwide, leading the World Health
Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic in June
2009. Unlike typical seasonal flu, this strain
disproportionately affected young, healthy individuals
rather than just the elderly and
immunocompromised.
Influenza is transmitted person to
person by:

• Respiratory Droplets
• Direct Contact
• Surface contamination
There is no cure for Influenza

• Antiviral drugs
• Over-the-counter medications
• Hydration
• Proper Rest

These remedies can help reduce the lifespan of the virus.

Get a Flu Vaccine every year
Flu shots work by helping our bodies
produce antibodies that provide protection
against infection with the virus strains in the
vaccine. The number of antibodies produced
by your immune system is the greatest one
to two months after vaccination and then
gradually declines. After receiving the flu
shot it usually takes about two weeks for the
body to develop immunity to influenza.
Important things to know about the flu shot:
Wash Hands Frequently
Regularly washing hands with soap and
water for at least 20 seconds can help
remove viruses that may be on your hands.
If soap and water aren't available, use a
hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid Close Contact with Sick
Individuals
Influenza spreads easily in crowded areas,
so avoid close contact with people showing
flu symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing,
or fever. If you're sick, stay home to prevent
spreading the virus.
Good Hygiene
Always cover your mouth and nose with a
tissue or the inside of your elbow when
coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues
properly and wash your hands afterward.
Boost Immune Health
Eating a balanced diet, getting regular
exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can
strengthen your immune system, helping to
prevent infection.