Influenza Epidemiology Paper
Communicable Disease: Influenza Epidemiology
Connie Gulick
Grand Canyon University
NUR-427V
Community/Public Health Nursing
Prof. Loria Hute
October 1, 2014
Introduction
The influenza virus, commonly referred to as the flu, is one of the most common syndromes of infection in human beings of all ages and demographics. The focus of this paper is to explore the epidemiology of the influenza virus. In order to thoroughly understand the virus there are several facets: First, to recognize the virus itself through the identification of the cause, symptoms, mode of transmission as well as complications and treatment. The demographic of interest will also be examined through current data of mortality, morbidity, prevalence and …show more content…
Influenza A and B are the greatest common cause of the flu virus. Type A is constantly changing and is generally responsible for the large flu epidemics. There has been extensive study of the influenza virus and how it affects the cellular environment. The influenza virus invades the mucosal cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Viral replication occurs, resulting in destruction of the host cell. The figure below gives visual steps how the virus replicates (CDC, …show more content…
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that seasonal influenza and complications from the virus are responsible for an average of more than 20,000 deaths annually. According to the CDC data, the 2013-2014 season was notable for widespread disease and a higher death rate than was reported in previous years. Influenza associated pediatric mortality for the 2013-14 flu season reported 108 pediatric deaths. The CDC also reports that in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu. The CDC reports approximately one in three people or 36% (97.9 million) people in the United States are at risk for being infected with influenza. Historically the mortality and morbidity rate of influenza has been low with the exception of the influenza pandemic in 2009. (CDC,
Connie Gulick
Grand Canyon University
NUR-427V
Community/Public Health Nursing
Prof. Loria Hute
October 1, 2014
Introduction
The influenza virus, commonly referred to as the flu, is one of the most common syndromes of infection in human beings of all ages and demographics. The focus of this paper is to explore the epidemiology of the influenza virus. In order to thoroughly understand the virus there are several facets: First, to recognize the virus itself through the identification of the cause, symptoms, mode of transmission as well as complications and treatment. The demographic of interest will also be examined through current data of mortality, morbidity, prevalence and …show more content…
Influenza A and B are the greatest common cause of the flu virus. Type A is constantly changing and is generally responsible for the large flu epidemics. There has been extensive study of the influenza virus and how it affects the cellular environment. The influenza virus invades the mucosal cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Viral replication occurs, resulting in destruction of the host cell. The figure below gives visual steps how the virus replicates (CDC, …show more content…
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that seasonal influenza and complications from the virus are responsible for an average of more than 20,000 deaths annually. According to the CDC data, the 2013-2014 season was notable for widespread disease and a higher death rate than was reported in previous years. Influenza associated pediatric mortality for the 2013-14 flu season reported 108 pediatric deaths. The CDC also reports that in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with the flu. The CDC reports approximately one in three people or 36% (97.9 million) people in the United States are at risk for being infected with influenza. Historically the mortality and morbidity rate of influenza has been low with the exception of the influenza pandemic in 2009. (CDC,