Virology & Mycology
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0517
ISSN: 2161-0517
Priyanka Patel
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Virol-mycol
Influenza viruses belong to the family of Orthomyxoviridae and are one of the leading causes of respiratory tract infections in humans. Influenza in general terms is mentioned as Flu. Communicable by mode of transmission has drastic after-effect both on individual and its society. Symptoms of influenza infection can many a times be confused with common cold except for the severity of the symptoms. The current strain of influenza circulating in India (2014-15) could be more virulent than the 2009 North American strain, highlighting the need for greater surveillance. Influenza viruses on infection in humans trigger both innate and humoral immune responses. Though, they are able to escape these immune responses by their ability of Antigenic Drift and Antigenic Shift. Influenza is a major threat to high risk persons which include children below 2 years, elderly (>50 years), immunocompromised individuals as HIV infected, chronic disease as heart, lung, blood or metabolic diseases as diabetes, obesity. Hence develops the need to handle influenza viruses tactfully by implementing strategies already developed or developing new strategies. National government along with international support from US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in coordination with other US government agencies developed initiatives like Development of Influenza Surveillance Networks in India, addressing emerging infectious diseases in the republic of India: Influenza disease, direct and indirect protection by influenza vaccine given to children in India and understanding host innate immune responses against influenza A virus. Other strategies which can be applicable are to get yearly/periodically (as per recommendation) shots of influenza vaccines by use of appropriate measures of hygiene, pertinent infection control practices, adoption of proper safety measures at patient care centres, sample collection and handling units. Proper biosafety and biosecurity measures should be taken into account and followed religiously for any aerosol generating processes. By adhering to these guidelines/strategies we can majorly control infection spread and prevent further devastation.