Influenza A is an illness which mostly results in respiratory simptoms. It is caused by a virus and is easily contagious. In a large number of cases, progress is favourable and uncomplicated.
At the moment two types of flu processes coexist: the so-called seasonal flu or common cold which is the flu which invades us every during influenza A or new flu which is a result of a new strain of subtype A/H1N1.
There are three types of seasonal, or common, flu: A, B and C. Type A flu virus is classified into different subtypes according to the combination of two proteins-H and N-on its Surface.
Amongst the many subtypes of inluenza A, at the moment subtypes A(H1N1) and A (H3N2). Cases of type C influenza are very infrequent, therefore vaccines against the flu only include the virus of types A and B.
A person suffers one type or another depending on the virus which causes the flu. The difference lies in that the possibilities for contagion with the new flu are greater and that the population susceptible to suffer it is no the same. This occurs because we have had vaccines against seasonal flu and have lived with it for ears already, whereas the new influenza A is unknown to our defence mechanisms.
Symptoms are very much alike: dry cough, high fever, headaches, muscular pain, intense feeling of malise, sosre throat, etc.
The smptoms last between four and seven days from their onset and, to the exent possible, it is advised to stay at home to avoid spreading the illness.
As regards influenza A, groups at risk are: pregnant women because their immune system is naturally weakened; likewise, samll children, health workers, and “personnel in essential services” (pólice, firemen, and the like) given their relation with both groups at risk and persons affected by high risk illnesses.
Generally, the flu process is a self-limited illness of easy and spontaneous regression, excepting cases which affect groups with additional complications (heart and respiratory problems, kedney failure and altered defence mechanisms), the processes of which may be decompensated.
Initially, all of those persons included in the groups at risk have been vaccinated against infuenza A. After it is possible to analyse the reslutls obtained as well as the evolution of this apandemic flu Will come the moment for establishing subsequent guidelines for action.
Dr. Juan Antonio Andreo Ramirez-ASSSA’s Medical Director.
The information published in this media neither substitutes nor complements in any way the direct supervision of a doctor, his diagnosis or the treatment that he may prescribe. It should also not be used for self-diagnosis.
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ASSSA advises you to always consult your doctor about any issue concerning your health.
