Epidemiology of Influenza: Symptoms, Mode of Transmission, and Complications
Write a paper (2,000-2,500 words) in which you apply the concepts of epidemiology and nursing research to a communicable disease. Refer to "Communicable Disease Chain," "Chain of Infection," and the CDC website for assistance when completing this assignment.
Epidemiology Paper Requirements
Describe the chosen communicable disease, including causes, symptoms, mode of transmission, complications, treatment, and the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence). Is this a reportable disease? If so, provide details about reporting time, whom to report to, etc.
Describe the social determinants of health and explain how those factors contribute to the development of this disease.
Discuss the epidemiologic triangle as it relates to the communicable disease you have selected. Include the host factors, agent factors (presence or absence), and environmental factors. Are there any special considerations or notifications for the community, schools, or general population?
Explain the role of the community health nurse (case finding, reporting, data collection, data analysis, and follow-up) and why demographic data are necessary to the health of the community.
Identify at least one national agency or organization that addresses the communicable disease chosen and describe how the organizations contribute to resolving or reducing the impact of disease.
Discuss a global implication of the disease. How is this addressed in other countries or cultures? Is this disease endemic to a particular area? Provide an example.
A minimum of three peer-reviewed or professional references is required.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful
Epidemiology of Influenza
Student's Name
Institution
Epidemiology of Influenza
Outbreaks of infectious diseases pose a great danger to public health. Communicable diseases refer to diseases transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids or indirectly (Hammer, Brainard, & Hunter, 2018). Communicable diseases are also referred to as contagious or infectious diseases. Some infectious diseases are endemic to a particular area, while others are pandemic, spreading across multiple geographical areas. Often, it requires coordinated efforts among public health agencies to prevent and minimize the spread of infectious diseases. The purpose of this paper is to explore the epidemiology of one particular infectious disease, influenza. A full description of the disease will be provided, among other fundamental aspects as they relate to the disease.
Description
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an infectious disease that infects the respiratory system. It is caused by influenza viruses and usually affects the nose and throat (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2019). In some cases, influenza also affects the lungs. Influenza is a sudden disease and is different from the common cold because, unlike colds, it can lead to serious health complications. Also, there are different influenza types, such as the Swine, avian, pandemic, and seasonal flu (CDC, 2019). The seasonal flu is the most common, especially during cold seasons.
Symptoms
People infected with the flu experience some or all of the symptoms listed below (CDC, 2019):
* Cough
* Runny/stuffy nose
* Sore throats
* Headaches
* Body aches
* Fatigue
* Fever/Chills
* Vomiting and diarrhea, especially in children
Mode of Transmission
There are several ways in which the influenza viruses spread from one person to another. One, the flu viruses can be spread through airborne transmission. According to Lampejo (2020), when an infected person talks or breathe, infectious particles can hang in the air for minutes or hours and spread to another person within proximity. However, there is limited evidence showing that this transmission mode occurs when people are within long distances. The flu viruses can also spread when an infected person sneezes and/or coughs, generating infectious respiratory droplets. When these droplets directly land on the mouths and /or noses of others, influenza transmission occurs (CDC, 2019). Further, the viruses can be transferred through direct contact with an infected person (Lampejo, 2020). Also, the virus can survive on surfaces for hours, and as such, one can get infected indirectly by touching surfaces that have the viruses.
Complications
Often, influenza can result in mild to severe complications. According to the CDC (2019), mild complications include ear and sinus infections. Serious complications include pneumonia, multiple organ failure, myocarditis, myositis, and encephalitis. Also, influenza can worsen pre-existing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and heart failure (Jester, Uyeki, & Jernigan, 2020). Complications from influenza pose a serious medical threat that can lead to death. Also, influenza-related...
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