Influenza Specialists in Karnataka

What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It tends to occur in seasonal outbreaks and can range from a mild illness to a severe one requiring hospitalisation, particularly in young children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions. The illness typically has a sudden onset, distinguishing it clinically from the more gradual onset of the common cold. Influenza spreads efficiently between people in close proximity, making it capable of causing large community outbreaks and periodic pandemics when new viral strains emerge. Annual vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection and its complications.

Causes of Influenza

Caused by influenza A, B, or C viruses that mutate frequently, which is why new vaccines are formulated each year to match circulating strains. The virus spreads mainly through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and can also survive briefly on surfaces. Risk factors for severe disease include age extremes, pregnancy, chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of Influenza

Sudden high fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, severe body aches and muscle pain, headache, fatigue that can last weeks, chills, in some cases vomiting and diarrhoea especially in children

Treatment & Types of Influenza in Karnataka

Most healthy individuals recover with rest, hydration, and symptomatic treatment using antipyretics and decongestants. Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir may be prescribed within the first 48 hours of symptom onset for high-risk patients to shorten illness duration and reduce complications. Hospitalisation and oxygen support may be required in severe cases involving pneumonia or respiratory failure.

Influenza is classified into three main types: influenza A, which causes the most severe illness and is responsible for seasonal epidemics and occasional pandemics; influenza B, which tends to cause milder outbreaks mostly affecting children; and influenza C, which causes only mild respiratory symptoms and is rarely tested for. Influenza A is further divided into subtypes such as H1N1 and H3N2 based on surface proteins, which mutate frequently and is why the vaccine composition is updated annually.

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