INFLUENZA Meaning and
Definition
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Influenza, also commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious illness caused by influenza viruses that primarily affect the respiratory system. It is an infectious disease that typically peaks during specific seasons in various parts of the world. The influenza virus primarily spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks, although indirect contact with contaminated surfaces can also lead to transmission.
Characterized by a sudden onset, influenza manifests with a range of symptoms, including high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and occasionally gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Although influenza infections are usually self-limiting and resolve within a week or two, severe cases can occur, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
Due to the constant mutation of influenza viruses, new strains emerge regularly, necessitating the yearly development of vaccines by health organizations to provide protection against the most prevalent strains. Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure to reduce the spread of influenza and its potential complications.
Treatment for influenza mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and typically includes rest, increased fluid intake, over-the-counter pain and fever relievers, and sometimes antiviral medications. Prompt medical attention is recommended for severe cases or individuals with a high risk of complications. In efforts to prevent the spread of the virus, individuals with influenza should practice good respiratory hygiene, such as covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and frequently washing their hands.
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The grip; an acute infectious disease possibly caused by Pfeiffer's bacillus, characterized by fever, catarrhal inflammation of the respiratory or gastroenteric tract, or profound nervous disturbances marked by headache, insomnia, convulsions, delirium, neuritis, or mental depression. Three chief types are recognized: respiratory, gastroenteric, and nervous, according as the symptoms referable to one or another of these systems predominate; serious affection of the circulatory system is also a frequent complication or sequel. It occurs in extensive epidemics or pandemics at intervals of years.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A severe epidemic catarrh or cold, attended with loss of strength, and with fever.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for INFLUENZA *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for INFLUENZA
Etymology of INFLUENZA
The word "influenza" has its roots in Italian. It is derived from the Italian phrase "influenza di freddo", which means "influence of the cold". The term was originally used to describe an outbreak of a specific illness in Italy in the 18th century, characterized by fever, chills, body aches, and often accompanied by respiratory symptoms. Over time, the term "influenza" came to be used universally to refer to a viral infection that affects the respiratory system.
Similar spelling words for INFLUENZA
- inflexion,
- enfelons,
- noci-influence,
- sphere-influence,
- inflect,
- univalency,
- inflame,
- influx,
- influential,
- involute,
- Univalence,
- Infelonious,
- involution,
- involucre,
- influence,
- involuntary,
- influent,
- influenza-associated,
- influenzae,
- in full,
- influenza-like,
- inflate,
- anti-influenza,
- Inviolaness,
- invaluable,
- influence-peddling,
- anophelines.
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