Theme: Epidemiology of Influenza

Write a 2,000 – 2,500-word paper in which you discuss a communicable disease using the principles of epidemiology and nursing research. For help with this project, consult the CDC website, “Communicable Disease Chain,” and “Chain of Infection.”

 Selection of Communicable Diseases
1. Chickenpox
2. Tuberculosis
3. Influenza
4. Mononucleosis
5. Hepatitis B
6. HIV
7. Ebola
8. Measles
9. Polio
10. Influenza

Paper Requirements for Epidemiology

1. Explain the selected communicable disease, mentioning the demographic of interest (mortality, morbidity, incidence, and prevalence) as well as the causes, symptoms, route of transmission, consequences, and therapy. Does this illness require reporting? If so, give specifics such as the reporting time, the person to report to, etc.
2. Explain the socioeconomic determinants of health and the role they play in the emergence of this illness.
3. Talk about the epidemiologic triangle in relation to the chosen communicable disease. Add the ambient elements, the host factors, and the agent factors (whether present or not). Are there any notices or specific considerations for the general public, schools, or community? Epidemiology of Influenza.
4. Describe the functions of a community health nurse, including case finding, reporting, data collection, analysis, and follow-up, and why the community’s health depends on demographic data.
5. List at least one national agency or group that deals with the selected communicable disease and explain how the organizations help to resolve the issue or lessen its effects.
6. Talk about the disease’s worldwide implications. In what ways is this handled in other nations or societies? Is there a specific place where this disease is endemic? Give an illustration.

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Influenza Epidemiology

Statement: By describing the social determinants of health and the chain of infection, this paper offers an epidemiological review of influenza. It also examines the CDC’s activities, the duties of community health nurses in controlling transmissions, and the global effects of influenza.

Introduction

1. Every year, influenza outbreaks follow different patterns. Epidemiology of Influenza. The erratic pattern of epidemiology does, in fact, perfectly capture the dynamic nature of the essential components of influenza viruses. It also illustrates how variables like virus transmissibility and at-risk population vulnerability affect the spread of influenza. Importantly, influenza A viruses are unique in that they frequently change their anti-genetic properties in the structures of glycoproteins, neuraminidase, and hemagglutinin. Different subtypes of hemagglutinin and neuraminidases are observed by clinicians in human influenza A viruses.
2. Conversely, influenza B viruses only exhibit alterations in their hemagglutinin structures, indicating less significant anti-genetic modifications. Infants and rarely adults are susceptible to a variety of acute respiratory infections that are linked to influenza C viruses. By describing the social determinants of health and the chain of infection, this study offers an epidemiological review of influenza. It also examines the CDC’s activities, the duties of community health nurses in controlling transmissions, and the global effects of influenza.

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 Description

• Technically, influenza is caused by RNA viruses invading the respiratory system. The four categories of pathogens are A, B, C, and D; however, human illnesses Epidemiology of Influenza. are primarily caused by types A and B. Moreover, influenza A viruses are classified into subtypes based on the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase protein structures. Within the context of time and space, the distribution of influenza virus types and subtypes is not constant throughout the year. Recent data on influenza diseases indicates that the number of documented deaths is presently lower than the national baseline, according to the CDC (CDC, 2020). In addition to common viruses, swine and avian influenza viruses can infect humans, primarily through animal contact. A sizable section of the world’s population was devastated by earlier outbreaks of the diseases, and infections were reported everywhere.

• Influenza viruses primarily transmit by respiratory droplets, which are more mechanically produced by sneezes and Large-particle droplets usually have a restricted airborne travel distance, therefore human closeness is necessary for the transmission to occur. But fomite transmission also contributes to influenza virus transmission, namely when people contact infected surfaces and then touch their faces. Individuals with influenza are contagious when they exhibit symptoms because they expel the virus through their mouths and noses. Interestingly, influenza viruses are rarely found in blood, stool, or urine and are usually found through respiratory routes.
• The majority of influenza infections present with mild symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, muscle aches, and Patients may experience rashes in rare instances, and elderly people and infants may have influenza without a fever. Moreover, youngsters are more likely to have nausea or vomiting. Influenza anomalies are mainly detected in the respiratory system, manifesting as symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and wheezing in the chest. When exposed to viruses, people can have influenza for one to four days, although the sickness usually goes away in a week. Pneumonia, parotitis, myocarditis, myositis, and even death are examples of severe influenza consequences. Epidemiology of Influenza.
• Antiviral medications can be given to patients with influenza, reducing the length of the underlying symptoms and averting serious Patients who exhibit influenza-like symptoms are strongly advised to undergo treatment, especially if they have other underlying medical issues. Antiviral drugs are most effective within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, although they can still be helpful after the window has passed. The four primary classes of antiviral medications that the FDA supports are oral oseltamivir, inhaled zanamivir, intravenous (IV) peramivir, and oral baloxavir. It is imperative to see a doctor because every medicine has different side effects and prescription patterns.
• Additionally, influenza is classified as a reportable disease in the United States, primarily in relation to new influenza A infections and baby Every state has its own rules and reporting procedures for influenza cases, according to the CDC. States are then required to report their results to the CDC (Budd et al., 2017). As a result, residents need to make sure they are aware of the regulations pertaining to their homes.

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Social Determinants of Health

• In fact, influenza outbreaks are influenced by social factors such as education, ethnicity, access to healthcare, laws governing public spaces, and availability of immunizations. Thus, removing immunization obstacles and simplifying social structures are essential to limiting transmissions. Every year in the United States, influenza-related infections cause over 51,000 fatalities and cost the federal government about $14 billion (Cordoba & Aiello, 2016). The numbers associated with the several socioeconomic determinants of health that influence Americans’ day-to-day lives. Epidemiology of Influenza.
• Having proper access to healthcare is the most important way to stop the spread of However, there are significant disparities in American society and the healthcare system, which makes underprivileged people more vulnerable. For example, there are a number of obstacles that limit access to immunizations and antiviral medications, as well as decreasing knowledge about non-pharmaceutical remedies. People from disadvantaged backgrounds frequently don’t realize how important it is to avoid influenza infections by practicing practices like hand washing, social distance, and staying at home.
• Minority groups also have restricted access to high-quality healthcare; they frequently encounter discriminatory policies and are generally wary of both law enforcement and medical As such, impoverished communities are more likely to die from severe influenza complications, require hospital care, or both. Compared to their white counterparts, African Americans and Latinos receive fewer immunizations, according to Cordoba & Aiello (2016). The main causes of the discrepancy are personal beliefs, ignorance, and unfavorable attitudes toward immunization.
• Similarly, social policies are important in determining influenza transmission It is true that laws governing paid time off, immunization requirements, and short-term school closures can affect the spread of infections. For example, immunizing healthcare workers lowers the risk of infection in both the individual and those in close proximity. Practices like social distancing and home isolation are crucial for limiting influenza transmissions in professional settings when vaccinations are not available. During epidemics, certain US states and towns permit paid time off for workers to improve their own and their families’ health. However, the rule is rarely used, and a sizable fraction of American workers are unable to use paid sick days. Since low-income earners rely entirely on their jobs for a living, they are disproportionately affected negatively by influenza outbreaks.
• Furthermore, those living in underprivileged neighborhoods exhibit greater rates of illnesses and In addition, the areas report high hospitalization rates and insufficient immunization coverage. It is therefore correct to conclude that impoverished communities are more likely to encounter stressors and to become infected with infectious diseases. Cordoba & Aiello (2016) claim that increased stress-related immunity disparities that heighten susceptibility to communicable diseases are enhanced by excessive exposure to criminal activity and other social ills. Furthermore, there is a higher likelihood of severe comorbidities in underprivileged groups, which exacerbate influenza infection severity. Acute influenza infections are associated with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and obesity, and can lead to hospitalization or even death. Epidemiology of Influenza.
• Similarly, individual habits such as binge drinking and smoking can raise the risk of influenza-associated hospitalization in underprivileged As a result, the government needs to treat other underlying illnesses, increase access to healthcare, and resolve disparities in immunization coverage among underprivileged groups. As a result, the tactic may lessen residents of low-income areas’ susceptibility to serious influenza illnesses.

Epidemiologic Triangle

• When examining medical issues, an epidemiologic triangle helps researchers, doctors, and the general A component of disease epidemiology is represented by each of the triangle’s three corners: host, agent, and environment. Specific bacteria that cause sickness are referred to as “agents,” while the organism that carries the disease is referred to as the “host.” However, the term “environment” refers to all of the outside elements that contribute to the spread of disease.
• Indeed, influenza viruses primarily infect humans, and illnesses can afflict people of all ages. However, the traditional influenza reservoirs are animals and birds. Numerous microorganisms, especially viruses that target the respiratory system, are the causative agent. Although there are officially three primary forms of influenza—A, B, C, and D—a prominent population shows other sub-types, including H1N1, which are thought to be caused by fast changes in microorganisms. Lastly, poor nutrition, a lack of access to healthcare, social crowding, and the seasonal nature of infections are environmental variables that contribute to the spread of influenza. Epidemiology of Influenza.

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The community health nurse’s role

• Both nationally and internationally, community nurses play a critical role in controlling influenza infections and transmission. In addition to treating patients with medical care, nurses have a social responsibility to educate communities about influenza illnesses. As a result, funding governmental and non-governmental groups that offer nursing care is the duty of every state government. To prevent health workers from catching the flu, they should, for example, provide face masks, personal protective equipment, and immunization services.
• Moreover, nurses carry out the essential task of strengthening community herd The practice, which is dependent on the skill of nurses, involves immunizing the entire community in order to safeguard people. Vaccinations protect vulnerable hosts from infection and confer immunity against microorganisms that cause disease. As a result, the strategy reduces the overall transmission patterns among groups. Nurses especially need to be careful not to spread influenza viruses to populations that are already at risk of serious complications like sepsis or pneumonia. All communities, especially those with restricted access to immunization programs, must be protected, it is true.
• Furthermore, demographic information is essential for managing the spread of influenza For example, recent U.S. statistics show that increased access to healthcare has raised the average population’s age past 65. As a result, the healthcare system will undoubtedly encounter an unprecedented challenge as more serious cases of chronic diseases arise. Furthermore, because to the last decades’ sharp rise in immigration, multiculturalism is expanding daily. Therefore, in order to meet the needs of diverse cultures and ethnicities, nurses must streamline their methods. The nursing sector as a whole, including training and education, needs to be adaptable enough to change with the changing demographics. In summary, community nurses can better formulate plans and techniques to manage influenza infections by taking into account demographics. Epidemiology of Influenza.
• Efforts from CDC
  When it comes to the prevention and management of infectious diseases like influenza, the CDC is one of the most proactive organizations. One of the CDC’s main responsibilities is raising public awareness since it offers reliable information on the epidemiology and group management of influenza. The CDC provides information on how to avoid influenza as well as practical preventive actions on their official website. The organization also offers thorough guidelines on handling infected nurse practitioners and minimizing exposure for healthcare personnel. Additionally, the CDC advises healthcare managers to provide staff with frequent training on how to handle infectious infections, such as influenza.
• When it comes to the prevention and management of infectious diseases like influenza, the CDC is one of the most proactive One of the CDC’s main responsibilities is raising public awareness since it offers reliable information on the epidemiology and group management of influenza. The CDC provides information on how to avoid influenza as well as practical preventive actions on their official website. The organization also offers thorough guidelines on handling infected nurse practitioners and minimizing exposure for healthcare personnel. Additionally, the CDC advises healthcare managers to provide staff with frequent training on how to handle infectious infections, such as influenza.

Global Influenza Consequences

• Approximately 1 billion mild flu illnesses, 3-5 million acute cases, and 300,000–500,000 fatalities worldwide are caused by influenza-related infections each Older people over 65 make up 90% of death trends, which puts them in a high-risk category (Nagata et al., 2013). Moreover, influenza raises hospitalization and fatality rates linked to illnesses like pneumonia, primarily in patients with additional underlying medical conditions. Global immunization campaigns therefore seek to prevent chronic illnesses and lower the number of unnecessary hospital admissions and deaths. Epidemiology of Influenza.
• Right now, countries are cooperating to stop another influenza WHO recognizes that states must cooperate because of the serious threat posed by the viruses’ fast mutation patterns. The group offered a number of platforms via which nations could exchange important information and conclusions about influenza infections. In addition, the WHO developed a technique for assessing the severity of influenza infections that analyzes trends in cases as new strains emerge. One of the WHO’s programs that makes a comprehensive strategy to influenza possible is the Global Influenza Strategy. It offers a framework for developing global preparedness, management, and prevention goals that are interconnected.

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In summary

In fact, influenza poses a serious threat to global health as well as domestic healthcare systems in the US. Modern nations are so intertwined that an influenza pandemic may break out suddenly and have catastrophic effects. Thus, in order to safeguard the public from potential pandemics, the federal government must eliminate all irregularities in the handling of influenza cases. Variabilities in vaccination outcomes and insufficient access to medical treatment make people more susceptible to serious influenza complications. State governments should so communicate with pertinent healthcare professionals to guarantee that the country as a whole is united in its pursuit of herd immunity. Epidemiology of Influenza

References

Budd, A., Blanton, L., Grohskopf, L., Campbell, A., Dugan, V., Wentworth, D. E., & Brammer, L. (2017, November 10). Chapter 6: Influenza. Retrieved from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt06-influenza.html
CDC. (2018, October 30). Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings. Retrieved from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm
CDC. (2020, April 18). Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. Retrieved from CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
Cordoba, E., & Aiello, A. E. (2016). Social Determinants of Influenza Illness and Outbreaks in the United States. North Carolina medical journal 77(5), 341-345.
Nagata, J. M., Hernández-Ramos, I., Kurup, A. S., Albrecht, D., Vivas-Torrealba, C., & Franco-Paredes, C. (2013). Social determinants of health and seasonal influenza vaccination in adults ≥65 years: a systematic review of qualitative and quantitative data. BMC Public Health, 13(388).