NRS 428VN Topic 2 Assignment, Epidemiology Paper – Influenza

Epidemiology Paper Epidemiology Paper Ramona Gauiran Grand Canyon University: NRS-428 March 29, 2020 Epidemiology Paper Epidemiology Paper Influenza is a significant cause of disease burden and morta ...

Epidemiology Paper Epidemiology Paper Ramona Gauiran Grand Canyon University: NRS-428 March 29, 2020 Epidemiology Paper Epidemiology Paper Influenza is a significant cause of disease burden and mortality worldwide. This paper aims to address its causes, symptoms, complications and recommended treatments. The social determinants of health are also being discussed here and it explores the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to Influenza and the role of the community health nurse. Identifies an organization that addresses Influenza and describes how it contributes to reducing the impact of the disease and its global implication. Description Influenza is generally called flu and is a respiratory illness triggered by the influenza virus. Throughout the Autumn or cold months, the illness has been seen to attack people more often. There are four specific forms of flu viruses called Influenza A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B are shown to be major triggers for seasonal epidemics in our country (Grohskopf, Sokolow, Broder, Olsen, Karron, Jernigan, Bresee, 2016). Influenza C is considered to cause a moderate respiratory disease although it is not suspected to trigger an outbreak. The illness often affects the respiratory system: nose, mouth, and throat. Many people associate flu with a severe cold, which others are acquainted with. Nevertheless, flu-related signs and symptoms are sore throat, coughing, headaches, congestion, fever, muscle and joints aches and digestive disturbances (Grohskopf et al., 2016). According to Ghebrehewet, MacPherson & Ho, (2016), "minor changes that occur in virus proteins between influenza seasons (known as antigenic drift) result in annual epidemics, with winter peaks in temperate regions, November to April in the northern hemisphere, and May to October in the southern hemisphere". in contrast, influenza pandemics (severe global epidemics) arise when a new influenza A sub type appears suddenly due to a significant change in the proteins on the surface of the virus (antigenic shift), mostly Epidemiology Paper because of a combination of viruses that exist in livestock (Ghebrehewet, MacPherson & Ho, (2016). The illness may be spread to humans in several ways such as close interaction with people with the disease and contaminated items (Ghebrehewet, MacPherson & Ho, 2016). Influenza has also been linked to other issues involving dehydration, ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, and worsen certain long-term chronic disorders such as cardiac disease, diabetes, and asthma (Grohskopf et al., 2016). Older adults, kids under 6 months of age, pregnant women with chronic or low immune system conditions are at increased risks for influenza complications. Some other complications include sinus infections, some cardiac and certain inflammations of the muscle. Individuals that are noted at a higher risk will profit from antiviral treatment, hospitalization or critical care. Statistics indicate that about 650,000 people suffer from flulinked respiratory disorders. Healthcare professionals must offer influenza vaccine to individuals at risk for complications and elevated sensitivity to influenza, especially to children who are successful spreaders of illnesses. The organization provides these appraisals in light of the conclusions of some of the latest respiratory death studies. WHO studies showed that about 3-5 million flu cases and about 500,000 fatalities are reported per year (World Health Organization, 2017). It is necessary to mention that in instances of influenza, antibiotics are not used as a treatment, as they do not help. Thus, the cure for influenza promotes some antiviral drug medications, which involve Zanamivir, commonly known as Relenza (Grohskopf et al.,