Airborne Disease

1. A. Common Name of Disease: Influenza

B. Scientific Name of Disease: Influenza

2. A. Scientific Name of Causative Organism: Influenza virus

B. Is This Disease Bacterial, Viral, Fungal, or Other: Viral

3. Describe, BOTH Generally AND Specifically, How This Disease Is Transmitted To Humans:

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing tiny droplets containing the virus into the air. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. People can also get influenza by touching something that has been infected with the virus and then touching their mouth or nose.

4. State Recommended Treatments, If Any for This Disease:

There is no specific cure for influenza, but there are treatments that can help relieve symptoms and make the illness less severe. These treatments include:

• Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough suppressants
• Rest and fluids
• Antiviral medications, which can be effective if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms

5. List Three Ways A Local Community Can Prevent or Reduce Impacts of This Disease:

A. Promote vaccination. The most effective way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine is safe and effective for most people, and it can help reduce the severity of the illness if you do get sick.

B. Encourage good hygiene practices. Encourage people to wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after being in public places or after being in contact with someone who is sick. People should also avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.

C. Promote healthy lifestyle habits. Encourage people to eat healthy foods, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep. These habits can help boost the immune system and make it less likely that people will get sick.

6. What Can You Do To Protect Your Friends and Family From This Disease:

A. Get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza is to get a flu vaccine every year.

B. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after being in public places or after being in contact with someone who is sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

C. Stay home if you are sick. If you are sick with influenza, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus to others.

7. What Can You Do To Protect Yourself From This Disease:

A. Get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself from influenza is to get a flu vaccine every year.

B. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after being in public places or after being in contact with someone who is sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

C. Avoid close contact with sick people. If you can, avoid close contact with people who are sick with influenza. If you must be around someone who is sick, wear a mask to protect yourself from the virus.

8. How Should the Federal Government Protect Americans From This Disease:

A. Fund research on influenza. The federal government should continue to fund research on influenza to develop new vaccines and treatments for the disease.

B. Support public health programs. The federal government should support public health programs that promote vaccination, good hygiene practices, and healthy lifestyle habits.

C. Coordinate with state and local governments. The federal government should coordinate with state and local governments to track the spread of influenza and to implement effective prevention and control measures.

9. Please Discuss Gender Related Challenges Preventing or Reducing This Disease:

There are a few gender-related challenges that can make it more difficult for women to prevent or reduce the impact of influenza. These challenges include:

• Access to healthcare: Women may have less access to healthcare than men, which can make it more difficult for them to get vaccinated or to get treatment for influenza.

• Caregiving responsibilities: Women are more likely than men to be caregivers for children and other family members, which can make it more difficult for them to take care of themselves when they are sick.

• Social norms: In some cultures, women may be less likely to seek medical care or to take time off from work or school when they are sick.

10. A. Locate and Insert A Recent Map Showing This Disease’s U.S. Geodemographics