The Critical Role EMS Plays in Fighting the Flu

Influenza has been impacting public health on a global scale since the beginning of recorded history. Influenza, also known as the “flu,” has numerous organizations committed to public health research, developing vaccines, and educating on best practices to prepare for the upcoming flu season. By gaining an understanding of the flu through history, virology, and how it impacts our society, we can have a better appreciation for the commitment that’s involved with combating the flu. What Is Influenza (and What’s Not)? The eyes of an epidemiologist can twitch for a variety of reasons, one of them being when someone says they have the “stomach flu.” In reality, influenza is an acute respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms usually include fever, a non-productive cough, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.1 The “stomach flu” is most likely gastroenteritis, commonly caused by the norovirus; a virus which causes symptoms such as cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and is also highly contagious.1 The U.S. sees about 20 million norovirus-related illnesses each year.2 Alternatively, another similar ailment during flu season is the garden-variety common cold. Although both the flu and cold are respiratory illnesses, the flu usually has more severe and sudden onset of symptoms while the common cold usually includes a gradual onset of symptoms such as sneezing, head congestion and a sore throat. Self-diagnosing these illnesses incorrect...
Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Exclusive Articles Operations Source Type: news