An unpredictable medical threat
Influenza is a viral infection that affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi and, occasionally, lungs. Infection usually lasts for about a week, and is characterised by sudden onset of high fever, aching muscles, headache and severe malaise, non-productive cough, sore throat and rhinitis. The virus is transmitted easily from person to person via droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze.
In temperate climates, seasonal epidemics occur mainly during winter while in tropical regions, influenza may occur throughout the year, causing outbreaks more irregularly.
Influenza occurs globally with an annual attack rate estimated at 5%–10% in adults and 20%–30% in children. Illnesses can result in hospitalisation and death mainly among high-risk groups (the very young, elderly or chronically ill).
Worldwide, these annual epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths.
Several influenza pandemics affected the world population over the course of the 20th and early 21st centuries and the threat of the next pandemic looms large. Because of the nature of the virus and its threat, the World Health Organisation carries out global surveillance of this disease throughout the year.
Vaccination is the most effective intervention to reduce the mortality and morbidity of influenza, seasonal influenza epidemics and unpredictable next pandemic.
To be prepared for the risk of a pandemic, which can hit anytime, concerted efforts from all public health professionals remain crucial to match the dimensions of such a global public health threat.
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