Influenza
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, headache, myalgia, malaise, prostration, non-productive cough, sore throat, and rhinitis. It has usually a short incubation period, from 1 to 3 days. Most people recover within one to two weeks without any medical treatment. However, severe illness and death during annual influenza epidemics occur primarily among the very young, the elderly and those debilitated by chronic diseases such as cardiac diseases, pulmonary diseases, renal diseases or diabetes, cancer, and immunocompromised conditions. In addition, when a novel strain of influenza appears, it can cause a pandemic. Since the vast majority of the human population has no immunity to such a novel strain, there would be high morbidity and mortality during the pandemic.
The influenza vaccine is considered to be the most effective preventive measure. Therefore, WHO recommends vaccination of high-risk groups including the elderly, people with weakened immune systems and those with underlying chronic diseases to reduce the disease burden from influenza. WHO also urges increased vaccination coverage in health care workers who have frequent contact with these vulnerable populations.
Fact sheets
News and press releases
22 June 2009
Deaths and two new countries in the Region affected
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05 March 2008
The Philippines checks its ability to avert a flu pandemic
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06 July 2005
International conference draws up strategy to fight avian influenza
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30 June 2005
WHO Stresses the Threat from Avian Influenza Has Not Receded
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24 June 2005
International Team of Avian Influenza Experts Visits Viet Nam
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