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Flu, which is caused by the influenza virus, can occur throughout the year, but in some areas, flu can be more common during certain seasons, such as the rainy season and winter. Because these conditions make it more likely for the virus to reproduce and spread more easily.
Influenza viruses have the ability to survive longer in cold, dry air. Especially in the rainy season, people usually tend to stay indoors more, this further increases the risk of transmitting the virus between individuals who are in close proximity.
Currently, Indonesia is entering the transition season. Transition is a period of seasonal change between the rainy season and the dry season. This transition period can cause changes in temperature, humidity, and general weather conditions. These changes may influence environmental conditions that favor the survival of influenza viruses.
“That’s why during the transition season, the risk of flu and other respiratory diseases increases,” said Firman, a lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FIK) UM Surabaya.
According to him, along with erratic weather changes, temperature and humidity fluctuations can put extra pressure on the immune system. So when the body’s immunity decreases, individuals are susceptible to infections, including influenza infections.
Firman explained that the influenza virus is the cause of flu which belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. There are four main types of influenza viruses that can infect humans, namely type A, type B, type C and type D. Each has a different genetic structure and biological characteristics.
Type A influenza viruses have wide genetic variation, and can cause outbreaks and pandemics. Type A influenza viruses are found in many animal species, especially birds and pigs. Type A influenza virus is capable of infecting humans and continuing transmission from human to other human and so on, causing a pandemic.
WHO noted that this type of virus had caused the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic in 1918, which infected a third of the world’s population, and caused the deaths of between 20 and 40 million people before it leveled off in 1920. And around 3 million people died due to the influenza epidemic in 1920. 1957.
He explained that the influenza virus always mutates so that prevention and treatment patterns must be adapted. Many lives were lost due to the same disease in 1968. A(H5N1) or what is called Avian Influenza, much research has been carried out on how the new virus can be transmitted from animals to humans.
In 2009, the A(H1N1) pandemic occurred again, spreading to more than 214 countries and regions. The total number of infections caused by this disease reached 1.4 billion people, and resulted in tens of millions of deaths and an estimated 151,700 to 575,400 lives in just the first year.
Please remember that not everyone infected with the influenza virus will experience all flu symptoms, because the severity of symptoms can vary. Some individuals, especially those at higher health risk, such as young children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic illnesses, may experience serious complications from influenza infection.
Prevention efforts are a very important key. First, washing your hands regularly, especially after traveling outside the home, using soap and running water can effectively help remove viruses or germs that may stick to your hands. Second, maintain a clean environment and consume nutritious food to maintain body immunity. Third, avoid visiting pig farming locations, and avoid contact with sick or dead animals, including wild birds.
“And finally, if you experience symptoms that are suspicious and suggest an influenza infection, you should avoid direct contact with other people, wear a mask and come for treatment to a health service, whether a clinic, health center or hospital,” concluded Firman.
2023-11-20 04:52:50
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