Because of Influenza (flu) Approximately 16 million people died in World War I. In 1918, a worldwide influenza epidemic(Spanish flu) killed an estimated 50 million people. While the Spanish flu is no longer active today, similar influenza viruses are still active. According to the World Health Organization, 1 billion individuals acquire the common flu each year.
Types of Influenza Virus
Based on their core proteins, influenza viruses are divided into three types: A, B, and C. The types most responsible for seasonal flu are types A and B. New influenza virus strains emerge and circulate every year. High mutation rates and frequent genetic reassortments are typical to type A and type B influenza viruses.
- The most frequent is influenza A, which is also the cause of pandemic flu. It infects birds, bats, pigs, and a variety of other animals, including horses and marine mammals, in addition to humans.
- Influenza B is mostly seen in humans, but it has also been found in seals, horses, dogs, and pigs. It exhibits symptoms that are similar to influenza A, but it is not known to trigger pandemics.
Influenza (Flu) Complications
For most people, the influenza flu causes a few days of discomfort. Flu complications, on the other hand, can be fatal in some cases. Hospitalization is usually needed for serious influenza complications. A person’s risk of getting serious complications from flu depends on several factors. The primary among these include:
- Age: Adults aged 65 or more are at higher risks.
- Children: Children under the age of two can develop pneumonia after a flu.
- Asthma: Flu can cause further inflammation of the airways and lungs.
- Neurologic disorders: If you suffer from Neuropathic pain getting the flu can make your symptoms worse.
- Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease): Flu is more dangerous for people with anemia or other blood (hematologic) diseases.
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